This is the first of a series of articles providing information and tools to assist parents in discussing, identifying, and intervening with their teens regarding substance use and abuse. Alcohol, marijuana, tobacco, and over-the-counter drugs are the primary trends of use and abuse in the Newton community and to a lesser extent, cocaine, ecstasy, psilocybin (mushrooms), and LSD.

As parents we all must be diligent in our communications with our children regarding the temptations that all youth face today. The situations that our youth are confronted by occur in and out of school: unsupervised houseparties, driving under the influence of alcohol and other drugs, as well as connecting with friends, older siblings, past graduates.

We realize that in today's world youth are confronted with far more demands and stressors than ever before. With societal's changing values and mixed messages regarding alcohol and other drugs, it is a very confusing and vulnerable time. Research shows that the majority of our youth remain drug-free, but those numbers begin to change in junior and senior year. The curiosity, however, begins at 8th grade. This sets in motion young people's attitudes with the alleged rites of passage.

Peer influence, the need to be accepted and to feel comfortable, are reasons many teens gravitate toward the use of alcohol and other drugs. To learn emotional independence and to become healthy independent adults is contrary to the use and abuse of all mind-altering substances. This includes the over-the-counter medications such as Corecidin, Robitussin, any other substances with Dextromethorphan (DMX), as well as prescription medications, which are taken in non-prescribed ways. An example of this would be teens snorting Adderrall, Ritalin or Dexadrine.

Once your child is using alcohol and other drugs, his or her actions may not change radically initially, but by taking the role of active observer during the course of the weekends and weekdays makes a difference. Confronting the behaviors early is a significant step toward intervention. Talking with your child when he/she comes home at night and observing behavioral indicators may alert you to potential risks. We have included for your benefit a sheet providing information on the physical signs of drug use.

Another important area for parents to take note of is drug paraphernalia. This includes: rolling papers, Visine, pipes, razors, straws, beer cans, empty toilet paper rolls with fabric softener sheets used in clothes dryers, empty cough medicine bottles or containers, empty alcohol bottles, excessive amounts of money being withdrawn from bank accounts or taken from home with no apparent evidence of purchases.

We as parents also need to be aware of shifts in behaviors such as: grades, participation in family activities, change of friends, change in dress, and clothing promoting alcohol and other drug use. Other indications include the odor of alcohol, the sweet odor of marijuana, and your child's possession of any illegal or illicit substances. It is rare that the substance your child is in possession of is, in fact, a friend's.

Teens know their friends better than we do. It is important for us to get to know our child's friends and their parents. It may seem awkward to talk with other parents, but each time we make contact, the safety net we weave for our children becomes stronger.

In talking with parents, make certain that there is parental supervision and involvement at parties. In Newton we have had many houseparties leading to destruction of property, arrests, police and court involvement. These situations can have impacts far beyond the mere incident. There have been charges of molestation, and driving accidents leading to serious injury and death.

In the coming months we will be focusing in on many other issues, including specific information on marijuana, alcohol, gambling, other drugs, and community resources. We will also be describing in more detail ways that we as a community can become more proactive and less vulnerable to the dangers that can impact our children and our families. It takes a village to raise a child and it will take all of us to become part of that village to protect and promote healthy, well-balanced young adults. Parents know their children better than anyone else. If you feel uneasy or have questions about your child's pattern of behavior, please feel free to contact a prevention/intervention counselor for a confidential

consultation.

Rich Catrambone, LICSW and Alison Malkin, LICSW wrote this article. Both are licensed clinical social workers and working as Prevention/Intervention Counselors at Newton South and North High Schools. For further information, Rich Catrambone can be reached at 617-559-6577 and Alison Malkin can be reached at 617-559-6237.