Teenager Substance Abuse Prevention

Online, April 20, 2010 (Newswire.com) - Contact: STILLWATER FAMILY THERAPY

2100 Sepulveda, Suite 30, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 (310)378-2520 www.stillwatergroup.net

FREE Community Event: Is My Teen Using Drugs?

TUESDAY, MAY 4, 2010

Location: Parras Middle School

6 PM to 8 PM

ïœ You have just discovered "paraphernalia" in your daughter's closet. Is she using drugs?
ïœ Your son threw up behind Carl's Junior and you found him sitting on the curb. Was he drunk?
ïœ You don't like your daughter's new friend and she won't give you the new girl's parent's phone number. Should you do something?

These are questions every parent of a Middle School or High School student is asking themselves right now.

We want to inform parents about all of the warning signs of a teenager in trouble. Both suggestions and possible solutions on how to have a discussion about the dangers of drug abuse with teenagers will be the primary focus. This discussion will unquestionably help parents in trying figure out if their teenager is using drugs, and give them peace of mind, or a plan of action.
There are many obvious warning signs, such as truancy, withdrawal from responsibility, and severe mood swings. There are, however, warning signs that are not so evident, and those are the ones that are commonly overlooked, or mistaken for a phase. These inconspicuous and undetected warning signs are often the most severe and detrimental to a teenager.

Addictions and even casual drug use can stunt the learning and cognitive processes that occur in the developing brains of an adolescent. When this damage happens, teenagers on drugs risk not receiving an optimal learning experience, thereby missing out on major adolescent milestones (graduation!). These teens also can risk ruining their future by going to jail or by developing severe illnesses and mood disorders. Addictions can last, in some cases, years or even a lifetime.