A Parent’s Guide
2
3
WHAT EVERY PARENT NEEDS
TO KNOW ABOUT TEENS, ALCOHOL,
AND OTHER DRUGS
4 7 ways to protect your teen from alcohol and other drugs
14 Good kids, bad choices
16 Safeguard your teen
18 Suburban teens are at risk, just like city teens
20 Alcohol’s damaging effects on your teen’s brain
22 Your teen’s biggest protection: you!
24 Misuse of marijuana: some surprising findings
25 How to talk to your teen
27 Preventing prescription drug misuse
4
BE A ROLE MODEL
Teens watch their parents. Your
example helps to guide their choices.
FACT
How to be a role model:
≥ If you drink, do so in moderation.
≥ Never drive after drinking or
using marijuana.
≥ Do not use illegal drugs.
≥ Do not ask your child to bring
you alcohol.
≥ Be very careful with products
that could be misused. Examples
include solvents, gases, fuels,
and anything in an aerosol can.
Use them in a ventilated area
according to directions. See
www.inhalantabusetraining.org
for more information.
ACT
1
If you think you may have an alcohol or drug problem, find out how
to get help. Alcohol and other drug treatment services are usually
covered by insurance. The Massachusetts Department of Public
Health Bureau of Substance Abuse Services also funds services for
individuals who are uninsured or cannot afford care.
To get help for people of all ages, call the Massachusetts Substance
Abuse Information and Education Helpline toll-free:
1-800-327-5050 | TTY: Use MassRelay at 711 or 1-800-439-2370.
Or visit www.helpline-online.com.
7 WAYS TO PROTECT YOUR TEEN
FROM ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUGS
5
My parents drank and used drugs in front of us. . . . I love
my mom and dad, but I don’t want my kids to have the same
childhood memories that I have. . . .”
– Father of teens
“
The most common reason young people
give for not using alcohol and drugs is
not wanting to harm their relationship with
adults in their lives.
As a parent, you have a huge influence over what your teen
does. Sometimes parents have a hard time figuring out
exactly what to say. Set a clear “no use” policy for your family.
FACT
≥ It is still against the law for youth
under the age of 21 to use marijuana
for non-medical reasons. You can also
visit www.mass.gov/parentpower.
Click on “Learn more about Marijuana
Use and Your Child.” (This should not
be taken as legal advice.)
≥ Inhalants are extremely dangerous
and can cause permanent brain
damage or death, even the first time
they are used.
You can say “You mean so much to me
that I am planning both a reward for living
up to the ‘no use’ policy and consequences
if you choose not to.” Here are some reasons
you can discuss for your “no use” policy:
≥ You’re still growing and your brain
is still developing. Alcohol and
other substances can interfere with
your development.
≥ If you start using marijuana when you
are young, you are much more likely to
become addicted. I don’t want anything
to get in the way of your dreams.
ACT
2
BE CLEAR ABOUT YOUR EXPECTATIONS
6
When your kids get older, be more
explicit about the dangers of alcohol
and other drugs. You can tell them
these facts:
≥ Drinking affects your decision-
making. You are more likely to make
a bad decision and end up in the
wrong place at the wrong time. Being
in the wrong place at the wrong time
is not necessarily a matter of luck.
≥ Teens who drink are more likely to
drive drunk, or get in a car where
the driver is drunk.
≥ Teens who drink are more likely to
try other drugs.
≥ Misusing prescription drugs can
lead to addiction, and to heroin use.
Heroin is highly addictive any way
it is used.
ACT
Keep talking about the dangers. Look for stories in the
newspaper. If there is an alcohol-related car crash, put it in
front of your child and say, ‘I hope this never happens to
you.’ Look for stories on TV, or things that happen to their
friends. If your kids are not complaining, ‘Oh, not this talk
again!’ then you’re not doing it enough.”
– Dr. John Knight, Director, Center for Adolescent
Substance Abuse Research at Boston Children’s Hospital
“
7
I think a lot. . . of why I was so wild (as a teen) was that I was
starved for discipline. I wanted some order in my life — some
security. Those were lonely times. I don’t want [my son] to ever
think I don’t care about him or how he acts. That’s why I sit
down with him and tell him why I have these rules, why I don’t
want him to do certain things. He knows that if he makes a bad
choice he needs to be prepared for the consequences.”
– Father of a teen boy
When my son and his friends were caught drinking right before
April vacation, I cancelled his (plans). . . . He got the message.”
– Mother of a high school senior
“
“
SET LIMITS AND
FOLLOW THROUGH
Teens whose parents set clear
rules and follow through with
consequences are less likely to
use alcohol and other drugs.
FACT
Establish rules.
≥ Think about why you don’t want your
kids using alcohol or other drugs and
clearly explain your reasons to them.
≥ You might need separate rules for
alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. For
example, your family rule for alcohol
might be that only a sip of wine at a
religious service is allowed. Make sure
to discuss your rules with your kids
and ask if they have any questions.
Give them a chance to talk about the
rules, and then enforce them.
≥ Allow your teen to build trust. Reward
good behavior. Praise him or her often
for staying away from substances.
≥ Tighten the reins when rules are broken.
≥ Follow through with consequences.
Uphold limits set in school or in the
community. If your child is suspended
for violating a rule, help him or her
learn from the experience.
ACT
3
8
ACT
Teens who are exposed to alcohol use in movies
and TV are more likely to drink.
FACT
Monitor what your
teen watches.
≥ Talk to your teen about
consequences that may or may
not be shown in films or television
programs. For example, after
characters drink heavily in one
scene, wouldn’t they really feel
worse in the next?
≥ Consider movie content by
reading family-friendly reviews
(e.g. www.parentpreviews.com).
9
BE INVOLVED IN
YOUR KID’S LIFE
Teens are much less likely to
use drugs when parents are
involved in their lives.
FACT
Ways to stay involved:
≥ Listen — even when your teen is
talking about things that may not
seem interesting to you. Don’t judge.
≥ Be warm and responsive: Start
conversations with an observation
like “You seem happy.” or “You
seem stressed.”
≥ Get to know your teen’s friends
and their parents.
≥ When your teen wants to go to
someone’s house, check to see if
an adult will be home. Tell the
parent or guardian the rules you have
for your teen, and see if they are
comfortable with them.
≥ Encourage your child to call you
if he or she ever feels uneasy
or unsafe. Is there a code word he
or she can use to let you know your
child wants to leave a risky situation?
ACT
4
It’s amazing what you can learn about what’s going on in their
lives by listening to them talk to their friends in the car.”
– Father of high school students
“
10
Teens who participate in
community service and
extracurricular activities are
less likely to be involved with
drugs and alcohol.
FACT
Encourage your child to spend several
hours a week on a combination of...
≥ Community Service
≥ Sports
≥ Art, music, drama and/or
≥ Clubs, etc.
ACT
It’s important for kids to see beyond themselves, to get a sense
that they are responsible for helping other people. Whether
they’re baking pies for the homeless or doing holiday shopping
for kids whose mothers have AIDS, it’s about teaching them
to be responsible and compassionate people.”
– Parent of teens in a youth group
For help finding opportunities for your teen, talk to your
child’s school or call toll-free: 2-1-1 or 1-877-211-6277 |
TTY: 1-508-370-4890. Or visit www.mass211help.org.
“
HELP YOUR TEEN BECOME WELL-ROUNDED
5
11
We limit all screen time — Internet, TV, video games.”
– Mother of teens
My son has a learning disability, so good grades are hard to get,
even when he tries. I encourage every improvement, like, ‘You
went from a C+ to a B- in English. Great!’.”
– Mother of high school student
Parents who stay connected to their teens’ lives can help them to
find ways to do something well, even if they are not A students.”
– Alcohol and other drug prevention specialist
You can help children to set goals for the future. If college
seems out of reach for financial reasons, you can learn about the
many scholarship monies available at www.fastweb.com.
Sharing hopefulness with your teen can help to motivate them
to try hard in school.
“
“
“
Help your child to see how school can help them to reach
their goals. Check in on homework. If needed, talk to
teachers, guidance counselors, or social workers to find
tutoring or other help for your teen.
ENCOURAGE
YOUR TEEN TO TRY
HARD IN SCHOOL
Teens who perform well in school
are less likely to become involved
with alcohol and drugs.
FACT
ACT
6
12
When our family had serious problems, the principal
suggested a social worker. I didn’t even realize the school had
social workers. I never thought we’d need one. They have
helped enormously.”
– Mother in a family in crisis
“
It takes a village.
Teens who have
support from a variety
of adults are less
likely to use alcohol
and other drugs.
Sometimes parenting a teen can
be overwhelming. Supportive,
caring adults in the community
can make a big difference in your
teen’s development.
FACT
Seek and give ongoing
support.
≥ Spend time with close family
members or friends.
≥ Join activities in your community.
≥ Talk to parents in similar situations.
≥ Share your rules for your teen
with parents of their friends and
your relatives.
ACT
REACH OUT
7
13
If you have questions or need referrals to alcohol and other drug
services, call the Massachusetts Substance Abuse Information and
Education Helpline toll-free: 1-800-327-5050 | TTY: Use MassRelay
at 711 or 1-800-439-2370. Or visit www.helpline-online.com.
MENTORING RESOURCE:
≥ Big Brothers Big Sisters of America: www.bbbs.org
Call 2-1-1 to be directed
to local programs
Religious leader
Guidance counselor Social worker
Teacher
Pediatrician or
health care provider
PEOPLE WHO CAN HELP GUIDE YOUR CHILD
OR HELP YOU FIND COMMUNITY RESOURCES:
14
Good kids can make bad decisions —
their brains are still developing.
Our brains do not finish developing until we are
in our mid-twenties, at the earliest. Drinking alcohol
during adolescence can damage the parts of the
brain responsible for decision-making, self-control,
memory, and learning.
Provide guidelines. Remember that critical areas of
the brain are still forming.
The areas of the teen brain that are still developing are
those that control impulses, planning, and anticipating
consequences. So there is a reason teenagers often act
impulsively and can fail to think through their decisions.”
– Dr. John Knight, Director, Center for Adolescent Substance Abuse Research
at Boston Children’s Hospital
Once parents see what alcohol does to a teen brain, I think
they will understand the dangers.”
– Dr. John Knight, Director, Center for Adolescent Substance Abuse Research
at Boston Children’s Hospital
“
“
GOOD KIDS, BAD CHOICES
FACT
ACT
15
DEVELOPING FUNCTIONS IN THE TEEN BRAIN
Understanding other
people’s feelings
Thinking through
consequences
Judgment Organization
Impulse control
Planning
Parents have a huge influence on
their child’s decisions, but may not
know the decisions youth are facing.
FACT
TO LEARN MORE:
≥ Visit the Massachusetts Health Promotion Clearinghouse to order
free publications that can help you learn more about teen alcohol
and other drug use: www.mass.gov/maclearinghouse or call toll-free:
1-800-952-6637 | TTY: Use MassRelay at 711 or 1-800-439-2370.
16
Some kids are binge
drinking in 7th grade;
smoking (marijuana)
in 7th grade.”
– Substance misuse counselor
“
SAFEGUARD YOUR TEENS
The younger kids are
when they start drinking,
the more likely they
are to become addicted.
Youth who start drinking before
age 21 are more likely to become
addicted to alcohol. Alcohol
can have long-term effects on their
brain development. While most
youth are not drinking or using
other drugs, some are.
Tell your child that drinking alcohol
at a young age can make can
make a person more likely to be
dependent on alcohol later.
FACT
ACT
17
TO LEARN MORE:
≥ For more information about inhalants, visit the inhalant misuse
prevention site for parents: www.inhalantabusetraining.org or
http://massclearinghouse.ehs.state.ma.us/category/ALCH.html, or
call toll-free and mention your teen’s age: 1-800-952-6637 |
TTY: Use MassRelay at 711 or 1-800-439-2370.
Trying drugs can have devastating effects.
FACT
Many of the drugs adolescents experiment with are the most
dangerous ones. Inhalants, for example, are among the most
dangerous substances. When kids use inhalants, they can just
drop to the ground or fall down stairs and break their necks or
suffer skull fractures. Inhalants are found in common household
products, like cleaners and spray cans, which are in most homes.”
– Dr. John Knight, Director, Center for Adolescent Substance Abuse Research
at Boston Children’s Hospital
“
SAFEGUARD YOUR TEENS
≥ Teach your child to read labels on
household products, woodshop
supplies, and school supplies, and
treat inhalants as poisons.
≥ Tell him or her that certain products
can cause permanent brain damage
or death when used the wrong way,
even the first time.
≥ Supervise the use of household,
woodshop, auto, and art products.
ACT
18
SUBURBAN TEENS ARE AT RISK,
JUST LIKE CITY TEENS
Drugs are a problem for both urban and suburban youth.
FACT
If your child takes Ritalin, Adderall, or another drug that could
be misused, monitor its use. While it is helpful for your child, it
could be harmful to another child. It is best if you always give
him or her any medications rather than let your child take
medicine to school. If you child has to have meds during school,
see www.mass.gov/eohhs/docs/dph/regs/105cmr210.pdf for
information, or speak to your child’s school nurse.
ACT
A lot of kids in the city see the devastating effects of drugs and
decide, ‘That’s not going to happen to me.’ In the suburbs, kids
have access to the three ingredients needed for drug use —
money, cell phones, and transportation. The first thing we do
in treatment is remove access to those three things so that the
teenager doesn’t have the money to buy, the phone to arrange a
purchase, or a car to go get it.”
– Dr. John Knight, Director, Center for Adolescent Substance Abuse Research
at Children’s Hospital Boston
“
19
2015 “MASSACHUSETTS YOUTH RISK BEHAVIOR
SURVEY” REPORTS THESE RATES:
Participated in
binge drinking over
the past month
Used marijuana
in the last month
25
%
Used alcohol in
the last month
34
%
18
%
You can tell your teens that
staying away from alcohol and
other drugs will help them
keep their freedom to do things
that they enjoy.
FACT
Teach your teen that such things as cell
phones and cars are privileges that come
with responsibilities. Set rules for their use
and ask your teen to check in regularly.
ACT
Source: http://nccd.cdc.gov/youthonline/App/Results.aspx?LID=MA
20
FACT
The biggest difference we found between the alcohol-dependent
and the non-abusing teens had to do with memory functions.
Mostly, the alcohol-dependent youth did a poorer job at
recalling new information. . . . If students are drinking
so heavily that it’s affecting their brain functioning, they may
not be able to get as much out of educational opportunities.
This could significantly disrupt their future choices, chances
of going to college, and ability to get a good job.”
– Dr. Susan Tapert, University of California, San Diego
“
ALCOHOL’S DAMAGING EFFECTS
ON YOUR TEEN’S BRAIN
Alcohol can damage
the developing
teenage brain.
Teens who drink alcohol may
not understand how dangerous
it can be. Dr. Susan Tapert and
colleagues at the University
of California, San Diego used
MRIs to compare the brains of
15- and 16-year-olds who drank
heavily with those of teens who
had no history of alcohol abuse.
Show your teen this picture.
Explain that the colored areas represent
brain activity and that the MRIs were
taken when the teens were sober.
ACT
15-year-old
with no history of
alcohol abuse
Brain Activity Comparison
15-year-old
who drank heavily
21
Many parents don’t realize the power they have to influence
their children.”
– Dean of a large high school
I have a file in my office full of newspaper clippings about
kids who die — from car accidents, drownings, or just falling
down the stairs — after drinking in homes where parents
supplied alcohol or ‘looked the other way’ while they drank.
It’s often after graduation or prom. . . . Parents need to help
teens find ways to celebrate that don’t include drinking.”
– Dr. John Knight, Director, Center for Adolescent Substance Abuse Research
at Children’s Hospital Boston
“
“
FACT
Serving alcohol to teenagers
is dangerous.
Don’t serve alcohol to minors under
21. Remind your teen often that he
or she is not allowed to use alcohol.
ACT
TO LEARN MORE:
≥ Choose to Keep Your Freedom and Preventing Underage Drinking…
Priceless are brochures for youth and parents about the legal
implications of serving alcohol to minors, developed by the
Massachusetts Department of Public Health and collaborators. Both
of them are available through the Massachusetts Health Promotion
Clearinghouse at toll-free: 1-800-952-6637 | TTY: Use MassRelay
at 711 or 1-800-439-2370. Or visit www.mass.gov/maclearinghouse
to download or order them at no charge.
22
Get to know your teen’s
friends and their families.
Encourage your teen to spend time
with kids and families who have
similar values and rules.
How to set limits:
≥ Share your values. Talk about what
is important to you and what is
important to your child.
≥ Clearly state the rules. Explain why
you are setting them. Lay out what
will happen if your teen breaks them
and then follow through.
≥ Keep discussing why alcohol and
drugs are not allowed.
≥ Regularly catch your teen “being
good” and reward him or her.
Teenagers don’t want limits but they need them. They
don’t thrive without limits. It’s the job of being a parent. . . .
The payoff comes much farther down the road.”
– Dr. John Knight, Director, Center for Adolescent Substance Abuse Research
at Children’s Hospital Boston
“
YOUR TEEN’S BIGGEST
PROTECTION: YOU!
Kids whose parents are supportive
and set clear limits are less likely to
use alcohol and other drugs.
Setting limits helps keep kids safer.
FACT
ACT
23
There are some things where there is no discussion. There are
houses that Anna can’t go to because they are totally unsupervised.”
– Mother of a high school student
Once he starts driving, always remember you have the ultimate
power: the car keys.”
– Father of a high school student
“
“
FACT
Frequent criticism can lower a teen’s
self-esteem and may increase the chance
of alcohol and drug use. Constructive
criticism should be balanced with support
for positive decisions.
When you have a conflict,
try to work together to find
a solution and don’t let
anger and bad feelings get
in the way.
ACT
COMMON TEEN DEFENSES
...AND WHAT YOU CAN SAY
“Don’t you trust me?”
“My trust meter is low
right now. Here’s what
you can do to raise it.”
“You do now.”
“I didn’t know. . .”
“I am sorry you feel
that way, but that is the
rule in this house.”
“That’s not fair.
You’re the only parent
who won’t let me. . .”
“It was my
first time. . .”
“Bad things
can happen the
first time.”
24
FACT
MISUSE OF MARIJUANA:
SOME SURPRISING FINDINGS
Marijuana use is related to the
following issues:
≥ Youth who have used it heavily have
decreased lifetime achievement.
≥ Some studies have shown marijuana
to be addictive, especially among
those who start using it early or use
it regularly.
≥ Youth who use marijuana regularly
are more likely to report symptoms
of chronic bronchitis than are
nonsmokers.
≥ Marijuana affects the ability to drive
safely, so teens shouldn’t drive or
ride with someone who has been
using marijuana.
≥ It is still against the law to use
marijuana for nonmedical reasons
when you are under 21 years of age.
You are your child’s strongest role model. Doctors and
the American Heart Association have published articles
saying that children, as well as pregnant women, should
be protected from secondhand marijuana smoke. More
research was recommended to find out more about how
the smoke affects babies and children. Marijuana should
be kept in a locked box or cabinet.
ACT
25
No matter what you did in your past, you
can help protect your teen in the present
by talking to them about the risks of
alcohol and other drugs.
FACT
At every party you go to in high school when girls [and guys]
drink, there’s less respect.”
– Recent graduate of a suburban public high school
I worry that if I ask my kids not to drink, they will call me a
hypocrite. The truth is, when I was young, I didn’t think much
about the risks of alcohol and drugs. And there were lots of
risks. Now I know the risks are even greater.”
– Parent of teens
“
“
HOW TO TALK TO YOUR TEEN
Teens who report that their parents show concern for them and are
monitoring their behaviors are less likely to engage in substance abuse.
These teens are less likely to use substances if they have learned a lot
about the risks of drug use from their parents or from schools.
When most of today’s parents were kids, we knew only some of the
risks associated with drinking. Now we know much more. You can use
examples in the community to explain that any driving after drinking
is dangerous.
26
ACT
≥ Teens today face risks like AIDS and exposure to a wide range of
prescription drugs that may not have been present when you were
their age. When combined with alcohol, these drugs can be deadly.
≥ Teens who drink and cause harm are still held responsible. Drinking
is not accepted as an excuse and does not change the consequences
of a bad decision.
If your teen asks about your past, ask,
“Why do you want to know?” If your
teen insists, you can ask, “If I did,
would you want to know?” Think about
how your child might react. If you
decide to talk about it, avoid details
and stress how you have changed. Ask
your child to think about how drugs
affect family and friends. You can say:
“ When I was younger, we didn’t know
what we do now about how harmful
alcohol can be. Today we are talking
about you, because I am worried about
you and your safety.”
Advice adapted from: LifeSkills Training Parent
Guide: A Guide for Raising Drug-free Youth, by
Dr. Gilbert Botvin. National Health Promotion
Associates, Inc.
+ Poor grades in school
+ Fighting
+ Riding with a drunk driver
+ Carrying a weapon
+ Attempting suicide
+ Engaging in risky sexual behavior
+ Using other illegal drugs
TEENS WHO DRINK ARE AT RISK FOR:
27
There is a lot you can do to prevent
your teen from engaging in this
dangerous behavior.
FACT
Youth may get dangerous information on the internet. It’s
important to keep tabs on the sites that your teen is visiting.”
– Alcohol and other drug prevention specialist
We hear stories such as, ‘I went to the local party and did an
OC (OxyContin) and then I went the next weekend and did
an OC. And then before I knew it, I was doing two. An 80 mg
is $80 and I can’t afford that. So I switched to heroin.’”
– Criminal Case Manager for a juvenile drug court
“
“
PREVENTING PRESCRIPTION
DRUG MISUSE
Many teens do not realize how dangerous prescription drugs can be
when they are misused. The misuse of painkillers can lead to heroin
addiction. Prescription drugs such as anxiety medications or sleeping
aids can be highly addictive and especially damaging when combined
with alcohol. As a parent, you can help protect your teen by closely
monitoring the prescription drugs in your home and by being aware
of the signs and symptoms of misuse.
28
Protect your teen from prescription
drug misuse:
≥ Secure your medicines; lock them up
or keep them away from your kids.
≥ Keep your computer in an open area
and monitor your teen’s internet use.
≥ Talk to your teen about the dangers
of prescription drug misuse.
≥ Monitor your teen’s prescriptions
for painkillers, ADHD medication,
or other controlled substances.
If they must take them during
school hours it is safest to administer
them at home.
≥ If medications must be taken during
school hours, consult with the
school nurse or administrator first.
≥ Properly dispose of unused
prescription drugs.
Most of the prescription drugs misused by teens come
from medicine cabinets.
FACT
ACT
29
TO DISPOSE OF UNUSED PRESCRIPTION DRUGS:
≥ Keep medications in their original containers. Leave drug names
visible to help identify the contents if they are accidentally swallowed.
Cross out other personal information on labels to make it unreadable.
≥ Disguise the medications in their containers:
+ For pills: add some water or soda to dissolve them
+ For liquids: add inedible material like cat litter, coffee grounds,
or dirt
+ Close the lids and secure with tape.
+ Check www.mass.gov/DrugDropbox to see if there is a permanent
waste medication collection site in your town or city. If not, hide
medication containers in the trash. DO NOT put them in your
recycle bin!
The information sheet that came with your medication may tell you
to flush it down the drain. For instance, these drugs should be flushed
away because they are dangerous to other people and pets:
+ Actiq (fentanyl citrate)
+ Daytrana Transdermal Patch
(methylphenidate)
+ Duragesic Transdermal System
(fentanyl)
+ OxyContin Tablets (oxycodone)
+ Avinza Capsules
(morphine sulfate)
+ Baraclude Tablets (entecavir)
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT PRESCRIPTION DRUG AND
OTHER DRUG MISUSE PREVENTION:
Visit and “like” our page www.facebook.com/ParentPowerMDPH/.
+ Reyataz Capsules
(atazanavir sulfate)
+ Tequin Tablets (gatifloxacin)
+ Zerit for Oral Solution (stavudine)
+ Meperidine HCl Tablets
+ Percocet (oxycodone and
acetaminophen)
+ Xyrem (sodium oxybate)
+ Fentora (fentanyl buccal tablet)
30
Resources are available if you
are concerned about prescription
drug misuse or the possibility
of a future overdose.
FACT
Prevent prescription drug misuse
by seeking help if you see any of
these signs.
≥ Drugs disappearing
≥ Abrupt changes in teen’s finances
≥ Dramatic mood changes
≥ Lower grades, changes in friends,
or changes in sleep or appetite
≥ Loss of concern about appearance,
being dirty, poorly dressed
≥ Physical signs such as fatigue,
confusion, weight loss,
constipation, restlessness, memory
loss, slurred speech, dizziness,
and sleeplessness
ACT
EXAMPLES OF SIGNS
OF OVERDOSE:
≥ Shallow or slow breathing,
clammy skin, seizures,
convulsions, coma, blue lips
or fingernails, slow pulse or
heart rate, or pinpoint pupils
If you see any of these or any
other signs of overdose, call
9-1-1 right away.
TO LEARN MORE:
Nasal naloxone (Narcan) is available free of charge statewide. To find
a naloxone (Narcan) site for opioid overdose reversal call toll-free:
1-800-327-5050 |TTY: Use MassRelay at 711 or 1-800-439-2370. Or visit
www.mass.gov/eohhs/docs/dph/substance-abuse/naloxone-info.pdf.
Some pharmacies also make naloxone available behind the counter.
Learn to Cope, a statewide support group for parents whose children
are addicted to opioids or who have other substance misuse problems,
provides training on naloxone administration at every meeting.
Visit: www.learn2cope.org.
The resources on page 31 offer helplines for prevention, treatment,
and other services.
31
FOR ADDITIONAL FREE INFORMATION
ON PREVENTION:
≥ Choose to Keep Your Freedom (for youth)
≥ A Parent’s Guide: Preventing Inhalant Abuse Among Children
and Teens
≥ Preventing Substance Abuse Starts at Home: Safeguarding
Your Children
To download or order these resources or this booklet, contact the
Massachusetts Health Promotion Clearinghouse at toll-free:
1-800-952-6637 | TTY: Use MassRelay at 711 or 1-800-439-2370.
Or visit www.mass.gov/maclearinghouse.
FOR HELP IF YOUR CHILD HAS A PROBLEM:
≥ Alcohol and Other Drugs: Is Your Teen Using? To download or order
this booklet, contact toll-free: 1-800-952-6637 | TTY: Use MassRelay
at 711 or 1-800-439-2370. Or visit www.mass.gov/maclearinghouse.
≥ Youth Central Intake and Care Coordination. Help with finding
services for teens with substance misuse and medical or residential
needs. Call toll-free: 1-866-705-2807 or 1-617-661-3991 | TTY:
1-617-661-9051. Or visit www.healthrecovery.org.
≥ Massachusetts Substance Abuse Information and Education
Helpline. Information and referrals to prevention and treatment
programs for all ages. Seven days a week. Translators available.
Call toll-free: 1-800-327-5050 | TTY: Use MassRelay at 711 or
1-800-439-2370. Or visit www.helpline-online.com.
SA1011
December 2016
SEE INSIDE FOR TIPS ON HOW TO REACH THESE GOALS.
CONGRATULATE YOURSELF FOR WHAT YOU ARE ALREADY
DOING WELL!
Massachusetts Department of Public Health Bureau of Substance Abuse Services
Special thanks to Dr. John Knight, Director, Center for Adolescent Substance Abuse Research
at Boston Children’s Hospital
PARENT CHECKLIST
Does your teen…
Have strong family support?
Understand the limits you have set?
Receive praise for staying free of alcohol and other drugs?
Have high expectations for his or her future?
Have a safe environment at home and school?
Participate in a supportive, caring community?
Work hard at school and enjoy activities such a sports, art,
music, theater, or clubs?
Learn about values through regular volunteer work or being
in a community group?
Hang out with friends who act responsibly?
Feel he or she can come to you with a serious, as well
as an exciting, development?
