Newsletters

Healthy Child Fall/Winter 2000

Recognizing Substance Abuse

JEANNE K. WEINTRAUB, R.N., M.S.N. COORDINATOR
PEDIATRIC AMBULATORY SERVICES

Dear Parents,

All parents want to believe that their child will not be touched by substance abuse. It is easy to think of children with drug problems as "those kids" from the wrong side of town. The truth about childhood substance abuse is much more complicated.

The facts, as researched by the American Academy of Pediatrics, are as follows:

• Approximately 100,000 American children under the age of 13 smoked. Problemr drinking often begins in the elementary school years
  
• 35 percent of 12- to 17-year-olds have tried marijuana
  
• 90 percent of all adolescents have consumed alcohol
  
• 14 percent of fourth-graders and 8 percent of third-graders have reported drinking to the point of intoxication

With such frightening data, parents need to know how to give children the tools to resist following the crowd. The first thing to keep in mind is that substance abuse education needs to start before your child is a teenager. It is an old saying, but a true one, that children learn what they live. It is hard to tell your child not to smoke,when you do. Talking about your family's values is important, but demonstrating them is invaluable.

Drug abuse education that works is a partnership between a child's home, community and school that starts in elementary school. By educating our children from an early age, they will know that even smoking is a type of chemical abuse. The younger a child is when he tries cigarettes, the easier it is to go on to alcohol, marijuana,or other illegal substances. The most effective programs explain risks, discuss values and demonstrate positiverole models. Support these programs by volunteering at school.

Let your child know your opinions, but also listen to him. Do not be afraid to help your child find the rightgroup of friends. Be available. If you cannot be home, make sure a responsible person supervises your child after school.

Some red flags that your child might be susceptible to substance abuse include:
parental acceptance/use of drugs, such as cigarettes or alcohol

• low self-esteem or a general negative feeling about himself
  
• behavioral problems
  
• friends who use drugs
  
• exaggerated need to "fit in"

The behavioral traits that help a child to resist drug abuse and peer pressure are the same ones that foster self-esteem. They are:

• A sense of belonging and trust
  
• Acceptance by others, both family and friends
  
• Confidence in himself
  
• Being responsible for his own actions
  
• The ability to make decisions alone and as part of a group
  
• Knowing that it is okay to make a mistake or fail

The following are signs of possible substance abuse:

• Neglectful of personal health, grooming
  
• Secretive
  
• Frequent school absences, cutting class or school
  
• Unexplained weight loss
  
• Impulsive behaviors, lack of self control
  
• Difficulty in school, falling grades
  
• Physical symptoms such as red eyes, dilated pupils, constricted pupils, marked changes in sleep patterns, chronic runny nose, scars, needle marks
  
• Unhealthy lifestyle
  
• Borrowing/stealing money
  
• Frequent/volatile mood swings or explosive bouts of anger
  
• Increased or unusual anxiety or nervousness
  
• Difficulty dealing with anger or usual responsibilities

Children, even teenagers, aren't very good at seeing the future consequences of present behavior. If you believe your child is abusing drugs, talk to him. If your child admits to using drugs, try and find out what ledhim to experiment. If this is a first offense, resist "throwing the book" at him. Keep in mind that we need to teach our children to learn from their mistakes. As always, your child's pediatrician is an invaluable resource
not only for you as the parent, but also as a sounding board for your child.

JEANNE K. WEINTRAUB, R.N., M.S.N
COORDINATOR, PEDIATRIC AMBULATORY SERVICES

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