Ulster Prevention Council Blog 6/15/12: The Power of Parenting

 Ulster Prevention Council Blog: The Power of Parenting: Empowering Parents to Act

When a parent suspects that their child is using drugs and/or alcohol, intervening swiftly and appropriately is vital. Casual drug use can quickly turn into drug abuse or dependence and can lead to accidents, legal trouble and serious health issues.

The New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) has several new resources available in their The Power of Parenting: Empowering Parents to Act series.

These brochures are suitable for prevention programs, health offices, school counselors, treatment programs, and human services agencies:

• How to Know? I think my Child is using alcohol and/or drugs
• What to Do? I know my Child is using alcohol and/or drugs
• What Now? My Child is in Recovery

Digital copies of these brochures are available at http://www.oasas.ny.gov/treatment/index.cfm#.

To obtain a supply of color copies of these publications, contact me at the Ulster Prevention Council; (845) 458-7406 or cdepaolo@familyservicesny.org.

Another great resource can be found online. The first link produced in a Google search of “I think my child is using drugs” is http://timetoact.drugfree.org/ . This Partnership for a Drug Free America site has video clips and walks a parent step by step through a process of asking about substance use, looking for signs and symptoms, learning about risk factors, finding out why teens use, and exploring common drug and alcohol myths and misperceptions.

A third resource for parents is the Parents Toll-Free Helpline. Callers that feel overwhelmed, stressed or have a specific question about their child’s drug or alcohol use can speak to a Parent Specialist social worker or psychologist in English or Spanish, Monday to Friday, 10:00 am - 6:00 pm ET at 1-855-DRUGFREE (1-855-378-4373).