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Addictions Information Alcohol
Drugs
Gambling

Information for Adults

Our experience working in the schools has shown us that students that are experiencing difficulties with alcohol/drug use often:

• Chronically skip classes, arrive late, have poor attendance records
• Exhibit problem behaviors in class and have difficulties following rules
• Have problems with theft, stealing small amounts of money and items from other students and staff
• Have a peer group that includes kids that are older than them
• Leave the school premises during school hours
• Appear alert sometimes and at other times appear drowsy, quiet and unresponsive
• Exhibit extremes in emotional responses such as hysterical giggling or extreme anger
• Are in conflict with the law

It is important to note that you do not have to be sure that substance use is an issue in order to refer a student. We will do an assessment, share the results and make a decision about additional appointments once we have more information.

The problems caused by gambling, alcohol and drug use can effect all areas.

Four Points for Parents of Teenagers

• Don't be tempted to reveal your teenage drug use history to your teenager. It usually does not achieve the change in drug use behavior that was hoped for. In fact, a teenagers resolve to use drugs is sometimes strengthened by your disclosure. Teens only see what you have achieved now and not how bad things may have been when you were their age.
• Not every teen uses drugs. In fact, statistics show that about 60% do not use drugs.
• Cannabis is still not legal. Do not be fooled by arguments that it is now okay. The majority of our problem youth teens are smoking dope daily and in some cases many times a day. Review your family values.
• If you need further tips on how to deal with our teenagers substance or gambling issues, give us a call.

Information for Parents of Preteens

Preteens seek more control; it's a developmental necessity. But, they are just not ready for the freedoms and responsibilities of adolescence. Parents must retain a high level of authority and control, while finding ways to allow the preteen to express their budding attempts at defining themselves according to an internal locus of control.

It's hard to see objectively when you are in the middle of a developmental crisis period, so these observations and tips come from the gut as much as from professional experience! These strategies will help you ease the preteen, and your family, through to a happy adolescence.

• Be a good role model to your preteen.
• Keep your preteen away from negative cultural influences.
• Encourage your preteen's pro social activities, like developing an interest in enviormental issues.
• Continue to support your preteen's mastery of learning and individual interests.
• Find activities that you enjoy doing together, and spend time with your preteen.
• Let the preteen practice making choices AND learn to accept "No" for an answer.