Talking About Drugs by Age Group
Talking About Drugs With Kids in Middle School (Ages 11-14)
Talking About Drugs With Kids in High School (Ages 15-18)
Parent Talking Kit via CVS Health
Drugs & Alcohol Defined
Here is a list of what’s out there, names that teens use for them, and the effects
Rx Drug Guide for Parents, Via CVS Health
How To Discard Unused Medication
Steps on Disposing of Rx drugs
Talk to Your Kids About Drugs, Hidden in Plain View and Other Stories to Support You
Recognizing the Signs of Addiction
Substance use disorder is a progressive disease. No one starts using heroin without warning signs. It may start with alcohol, tobacco, recreational drugs, and most commonly prescription pain killers.
Know the warning signs before it's too late.
Physical Signs
Physical appearance
Small pupils
Decreased respiratory rate
Non responsiveness
Drowsy
Loss or increase in appetite
Weight loss or weight gain
Intense flu-like symptoms (nausea, vomiting, sweating, shaky hands, feet or head, large pupils)
Wearing long-sleeves or hiding arms
Behavioral Signs
Change in attitude and/or personality
Tendency to avoid contact with family and/or friends
Change in friends, hobbies, activities and/or sports
Drops in grades or performance at work
Isolation and secretive behavior
Moodiness, irritability, nervousness, giddiness
Tendency to steal
Advanced Warning Signs
Missing medications
Burnt or missing spoons and/or bottle caps
Syringes
Small bags with powder residue
Missing shoe laces and/or belts
Get Help
Here is a link for information on how to find help from the NYS Department of Health.
Information for Parents from NYS Gov
Useful Websites
The information and tools on the websites can help you better understand drug use.
https://talk2prevent.ny.gov/parent-toolkit
http://pact360.org/programs/parents360
https://findtreatment.samhsa.gov/
Call Parents Toll-Free Helpline 1-855-DRUGFREE (1-855-378-4373) Find Help:
1-877-8-HOPENY call or text HOPENY
Information for First Responders
Heroin and Opioid Overdose Prevention Training
Opioid Overdose Prevention Programs
Opioid Overdose Prevention Information
National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA)
NYS Department of Financial Services (DFS)
NYS Department of Health (DOH)
NYS Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS)
Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
https://combatheroin.ny.gov/