ALCOHOL ABUSE
WARNING SIGNS
Drop in school attendance or academic performance
Smell of alcohol on the breath or sudden, frequent use of breath mints
Watered-down alcohol in liquor bottles in the liquor cabinet
Loss of interest in hobbies and/or sports that used to be important or change in friends
Warning signs
for alcohol poisoning:
Unresponsive to pinching skin
Slow breathing (less than 8 per minute)
Hypothermia, blueish or pale skin
*Warning: Friends and family have put someone to bed to "sleep it
off," only to find them dead in the morning. Call 911.
SUGGESTIONS FOR PARENTS
Parents,
ask yourself "What is happening or not happening in my teenís world
that they
would need to self medicate? Why would they rather be in an altered state
of consciousness?" The abuse of alcohol is an underlying symptom
of something else. Over 95% of Oldham County teens feel that their parents
would disapprove of their using alcohol. Talk to your kids; they care
what you think and do not want to lose your respect and pride in them.
Your kids are looking to you for information about life decisions and
choices. Be clear in stating your disapproval of their alcohol use.
Set
limits with clear rules and consequences for breaking them. Know your
teen's friends
and make it a point to meet their parents. Understand their rules about
drinking. Know
where your teens are and what they are doing. Wait up for your teen after
they have been out to just "be there." This will reinforce to
your teen that they are important to you. It can also provide them with
an excuse to not participate
in behaviors of which you wouldn't approve. "I can't drink tonight,
my mom will be waiting up."
If you suspect alcohol poisoning, stay with the victim, watch for warning signs, and call 911!
For
more information:
Contact your family physician
Al-Anon: 502.458.1234
Alcoholics Anonymous: 502.582.1849
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/PEOPLE/outreach/
SafeSobr/15qp/web/idalc.html
