Counselor's Corner
From time to time items of interest to parents and caregivers will be posted here from our School Counselor. Click on any of the links below for previous messages or articles of interest.
Tweens and Drugs
Your child has access to a variety of drugs. In addition to illegal drugs, kids may use alcohol, prescription drugs, over the counter medications, and inhalants. Many drugs are found right in their own homes – cold medicine, alcohol, whipped cream canisters, and white-out fluid for example. Many parents shy away from talking to their kids about alcohol and drug use. If you have not started this conversation before middle school, I strongly encourage you to do so now. Your child will need a clear no-use message, factual information, and strong motivation to resist peer pressure and make the choice to remain drug free.
Why do kids use drugs?
Developmentally at this age, friends and the desire to fit in are controlling influences. Sixth graders look up to 7th and 8th graders. Middle school kids are letting go of their childhood and seeking out their identity. Peer pressure is the number one reason young people first try drugs. They also are just plain curious. Just like adults, they like the feeling drugs give them – the euphoria, the confidence, or the reduced social inhibitions.
The tween brain
The part of the brain that regulates impulse control, emotions, and decision making is not fully developed (that explains a lot, eh?). Unfortunately, this makes your tween susceptible to experimentation with drugs. Prolonged drug use eventually causes changes in the brain that result in drug addiction.
How can I tell if my child may be using drugs?
Obvious things you may find are drug paraphernalia such as pipes, razor blades, straws, matches/lighter, small plastic baggies, or paper folded into a small packet. You may find the gas is gone from your whipped cream, or find paper bags with paint inside. Homemade pipes can be made by cutting holes into objects such as plastic water bottles or an apple. Watch for frequent use of eye drops and breath mints.
The best clue that a child may be using drugs is a change in behavior. Some of the warning signs include:
- Change in energy level
- Change in dress and friends
- Change in eating patterns
- A sudden withdrawal from activities
- School problems
- Mood swings, irritability
- Defiance
- Fatigue
- Deterioration in health (runny nose, sore throat, cough)
- Bloodshot eyes
- Sudden gain or loss of weight
- Trouble sleeping
- Lies about plans, activities, and whereabouts
Advice for talking to your tween about drugs and alcohol
Time to Talk
http://www.timetotalk.orgThe Partnership for a Drug Free America
http://www.drugfree.orgGrowing up Drug Free: A Parent’s Guide to Prevention
http://consumerlawpage.com/brochure/drgfree.shtmlParentpedia
http://family.go.com/parentpedia/preteen-teen/behavior/teen-drinking-drugs
Please contact me if you have questions or would like to discuss this further.
Allison Decker
School Counselor
Mendenhall Middle School
(925) 606-4731
adecker@livermore.k12.ca.us
Current Articles of Interest
Links to Previous Messages:
Counselor's Lettter of Introduction