News Flash

MCAO Latest News

Posted on: August 23, 2021

Talk to Teens About Substance Abuse

Image of girl with the text

It may seem that a new drug or trend is affecting the lives of children and teens every day. For parents, it's just as important to learn about these issues as it is to take action and talk to their kids. Ignoring the problem or assuming your child isn't affected prevents you from setting the stage and helping your teen feel comfortable having an open and honest conversation with you if they are ever in need of help.

As a parent, to get the most out of these conversations, it's essential to understand what drives substance abuse in teens. All teens have different experiences and reasons for getting involved with drugs. Some teens are curious about these substances because they are uninformed and may already be vaping or drinking and have a false sense of security. Teens also have a low perception of risk and think taking one pill won't affect them. But, unfortunately, when it comes to drugs like counterfeit pills and other illegal opioids, using them just once can be deadly.

Teens may use these substances as a coping mechanism for stress and trauma. Stressors vary greatly among teens and can be as simple as arguing with a friend or doing poorly on a test. Learning about your teen's life outside of the home is essential to keeping track of their stressors. Adverse childhood experiences, mental health disorders, and attention deficit disorders also increase the risk of substance abuse. Therefore, it's important to diagnose and treat these conditions early on and develop healthy methods of regulating emotions and coping with stress.

In other scenarios, teens may become dependent on pain relievers prescribed after an injury or surgery. Under these circumstances, it's essential to be vigilant and keep track of how much medication your child is using.

When parents talk, children listen, and when they talk about substance abuse, children are 50% less likely to use drugs. The start of the school year is an excellent opportunity to talk about and emphasize the dangers of substance abuse. Every situation is different, and the way a family communicates with each other can vary. The key things to remember are that it should be done early in childhood, often enough to form habits and maintain consistent methods. Use these tips to help you get started:

  • Share the facts and avoid opinions about substance abuse
  • Ask open-ended questions to get the conversation started, avoid yes or no questions
  • Tell me about your day?
  • Work to understand them and their point of view
  • Ask them about their interest, their friends, etc.
  • Show your concern rather than anger or disappointment
  • Maintain them, their health and wellbeing as the focal point of your conversation
  • Practice long term thinking and focus on their goals
  • Talk about the consequences of actions and mindful decision making
  • Make an internet safety plan and be transparent about monitoring social media use
  • Keep it simple and set realistic limits
  • Come up with a "rescue" plan if they need to get out of an uncomfortable situation

When kids and teens feel they can communicate honestly with adults, they are more likely to ask for help. If your teen has a substance abuse problem, take time now to learn the signs of an overdose and make sure you carry Naloxone and keep it in your medicine cabinet. At home, make sure to keep your prescriptions in a location not accessible to teens and get rid of any unused or expired medication.

We all play a role in helping kids and teens make safe choices every day. Don't be a bystander in the fight against substance abuse. Learn what you can do today to create safer communities for tomorrow. For more information, visit our opioid epidemic page.

Resources

Text JOIN to 55753 to receive customized text messages with resources and skills to better communicate with your child. Support is free and confidential. Specialists are ready to listen and help you find answers for yourself and your child.

Facebook Twitter Email

Other News in MCAO Latest News

Photo of a baby tiger.

Defendant Selling Wild Tiger Cub Indicted

Posted on: February 28, 2023
MCAO Seal

Thank You for Your Service

Posted on: February 1, 2023
MCAO Seal

No Charges for Officer Conduct

Posted on: January 30, 2023
Photos of MCAO employees

A Year in Review

Posted on: December 20, 2022
MCAO Seal

MCAO Wins Big at the 2022 APAAC Awards

Posted on: August 29, 2022
Website Graphics (1)

Help Deter Catalytic Converter Thefts

Posted on: August 22, 2022
A person reaching for a pair of car keys after they've been drinking.

Celebrate Safely this Fourth of July

Posted on: June 28, 2022
Tori posing in front of a background and flags

K-9 Victim Advocate Tori is Retiring!

Posted on: April 26, 2022

MCAO’s Citizens Academy Is Back!

Posted on: March 28, 2022
MCAO Seal

Meet our New Community Affairs Coordinator

Posted on: February 21, 2022
Teens

Stay Aware of Teen Dating Violence

Posted on: February 14, 2022
New employee meeting other employees at new job

Start the Year with a New Career

Posted on: January 19, 2022
MCAO Seal

MCAO Year in Review

Posted on: December 21, 2021
An image of caution tape and police sirens

Year in Review: 2021 Crime Trends

Posted on: December 14, 2021
A family gathering around their holiday decorations

Holiday Home and Travel Safety

Posted on: December 6, 2021
Woman shopping online for holiday gifts

Get Gifts, Not Scams this Holiday Season

Posted on: November 22, 2021
Phone Scams

How to Avoid Scams Calls

Posted on: November 15, 2021
Photo of soldier holding an American flag

Honoring All Who Serve on Veterans Day

Posted on: November 10, 2021
Photo of the twin towers

20th Anniversary of September 11th

Posted on: September 10, 2021
A man stealing a wallet out of someone's backpack

Practice Personal Safety in Layers

Posted on: August 16, 2021
Two students reading over documents

Internship Opportunities at MCAO

Posted on: July 29, 2021
Someone looking into a parked vehicle

Keep Your Vehicle Safe this Summer

Posted on: July 5, 2021
Utility Scams

Summer Safety Series: Utility Scams

Posted on: June 21, 2021
Three Children Holding Hands

National Missing Children's Day

Posted on: May 24, 2021
Student wearing graduation cap and gown

A Career in Public Service

Posted on: May 4, 2021
Aisha Robertson, Legal Support Assistant, MCAO Victim Services Division

Employee Spotlight: Aisha Robertson

Posted on: April 26, 2021
Victim Advocates

The Importance of Victims’ Rights

Posted on: April 22, 2021
Lady Justice

Understanding Victims’ Rights

Posted on: April 19, 2021
Protect Your Vehicle From Theft

Spring Break Tips: Prevent Car Theft

Posted on: March 15, 2021
Report Graffiti

Report Graffiti in Your Community

Posted on: February 22, 2021
Protect Your Identity

Have You Checked Your Credit Report?

Posted on: March 29, 2021
Online Dating

Swipe Safe with These Online Dating Tips

Posted on: February 8, 2021
Woman Cleaning Counter

Labor Trafficking amid COVID-19 Pandemic

Posted on: January 25, 2021
MCAO Building

A Year in Review at MCAO

Posted on: December 23, 2020
Crime Scene Tape

2020 Snapshot: Crime Across the Valley

Posted on: December 7, 2020
Man placing Credit Card info into Laptop

Shop Safely Online this Holiday Season

Posted on: November 30, 2020
Female domestic violence victim packing suitcase with clothing

Make a Safety Plan to Get Out

Posted on: October 19, 2020
Teen Girl Texting

Remind Teens to Think Before They Send

Posted on: September 28, 2020
County Attorney Allister Adel

Body-Worn Camera Request

Posted on: September 23, 2020
Online Bully

Online Bullying During COVID

Posted on: September 21, 2020
Animal Cruelty

Report Animal Abuse to Law Enforcement

Posted on: September 14, 2020
Labor Day DUI Reminder

Celebrate Labor Day Weekend Safely

Posted on: September 3, 2020
Pills on table

International Overdose Awareness Day

Posted on: August 31, 2020
Contact-Tracing

COVID-19 Contact Tracing Scams

Posted on: July 23, 2020
Two Girls on Laptops

What are the risks of livestreaming?

Posted on: July 13, 2020
Prosecutor

What is a Prosecutor?

Posted on: June 25, 2020
Man Vaping

Vaping Warning Signs for Parents

Posted on: June 18, 2020
Opioids

Help Prevent Opioid Abuse at Home

Posted on: June 16, 2020
Sunset Over Canal and Homes

Keep Your Home Safe this Summer

Posted on: June 4, 2020
Looking through a car windshield at night. The lights are blurred.

Don’t Graduate into a DUI

Posted on: May 19, 2020
Happy Mothers Day

Honoring MCAO Moms

Posted on: May 8, 2020
COVID-19 Stimulus Check Scams

Stimulus Check Scams

Posted on: May 7, 2020
National Law Day 2020

It’s National Law Day

Posted on: May 1, 2020
Angela Andrews

Collaboration is Key

Posted on: April 30, 2020
Inspiration in the Face of Adversity

Inspiration in the Face of Adversity

Posted on: April 24, 2020
Heather Kirka

Charging Ahead and Working Together

Posted on: April 23, 2020
Census form on flag

We All Benefit When We Respond

Posted on: April 16, 2020
Brittany Hogard

Keeping the Wheels of Justice Rolling

Posted on: April 15, 2020
Person typing on computer keyboard

Be a Smart Online User

Posted on: April 13, 2020
Avoid Coronavirus Scams

COVID-19 Scam Awareness

Posted on: March 30, 2020

Community Outreach Highlights

Posted on: March 1, 2020
Allister with Female Staff

Celebrating Women’s History Month

Posted on: March 1, 2020
2020 Census Advertisement - Shape your Future, Start Here

YOU Count: Fill Out the Census Today

Posted on: March 1, 2020

Update On Petersen Investigation

Posted on: December 11, 2019

MCAO Honors Our Veterans

Posted on: November 8, 2019

Dion Earl Found Guilty on All Charges

Posted on: August 22, 2019

MCAO Launches Community Grants Webpage

Posted on: August 12, 2016

Update on Green Acre Dog Boarding Deaths

Posted on: September 22, 2014

National Geographic - Taboo

Posted on: August 31, 2012