Greenville Family Partnership

Parents Not Acting Early Enough, Need to Take Immediate Action to Stop Teen Alcohol & Drug Abuse!

The resurgence in teen drug and alcohol use comes at a time when pro-drug cues in popular culture – in film, television, and online – abound, and when funding for federal prevention programs has been declining for several years.

This places a greater burden on parents: 20% say their child (ages 10-19) has used drugs or alcohol beyond an “experimental” level; 30% say their teen (ages 14-19) has used, nearly one third.

Among parents of teens who have used, nearly half (47%) waited to take action or took no action at all – which puts their kids at greater risk of continued use and negative consequences.

“This upswing has implications not just for parents, but for the country,” said Partnership Chairman Patricia Russo. “We can’t afford to let millions of kids struggle through their academic & professional lives hindered by substance abuse. Parents and caregivers need to play an active role in protecting their families, trust their instincts, and take immediate action as soon as they sense a problem.”

Discovering that a teen is using drugs or drinking is a frightening experience for parents – many feel alone, ashamed & confused about what to do. The Partnership encourages parents to take action as soon as they suspect or know their child is using and provides parents with free, anonymous access, to the most current, research-based information on how to help their child & their family take the next steps. "Time To Act" offers step-by-step advice & compassionate guidance from substance abuse experts, family therapists, scientists & fellow parents to help guide families through the process of understanding drug & alcohol use, confronting a child, setting boundaries & seeking outside help.

Because research tells us that kids in grades 7-12 who learn a lot about the dangers of drugs from their parents are 50% less likely to use, parents are encouraged to have frequent ongoing conversations with kids about the dangers of drugs & alcohol and take early action if they suspect their child is using or might have a problem. Time to Act teaches parents how to talk with kids about drugs & alcohol and take charge of the conversation.

Source: Partnership for a Drug-Free America

SAFE HOMES

A NETWORK OF PARENTS WORKING TOGETHER TO PROVIDE A SAFE HOME, SAFE FROM ALCOHOL, SAFE FROM DRUGS, AND A SAFE SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT

Join a group of parents dedicated to providing an environment where our youth can socialize and understand that we do not accept the underage use of alcohol and drugs in our homes and on our property.

Join a network of parents who agree to minimize the cultural acceptance of alcohol and drugs by our youth. The task is simple. Sign a pledge to follow the current laws regarding alcohol, tobacco and other drugs and agree to talk to one another. Teens today face a difficult challenge while growing up in a world that connects alcohol with most social events and gatherings.  Many parents are looking for support in setting boundaries for their teens when it comes to socializing and following the law.  Too often, parents think everyone is partying with alcohol and they are alone in their struggle to prevent underage drinking.   This is a tool.  You are not alone. Join a network or create a network...

Parents who are members of the Safe Homes Network will receive an exclusive e-newsletter which will provide up to date research relevant to keeping teens alcohol and drug free.  All parents are encouraged to check out our blog, Safe Voice, and participate in the discussion.  You can even remain anonymous in the discussion, so do not hesitate to ask the tough questions!

Please visit the Frequently Asked Question section and if you still have questions we will be happy provide any information for you to join in or start your own group of parents who want to keep there homes safe and provide a SAFE environment free from alcohol, tobacco and other drugs.  Call 467-4099 or email melissa@gfpdrugfree.org.

STOP Teen Drinking Grant!

Greenville Family Partnership (GFP) has been awarded a $50,000 four-year STOP grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). STOP stands for "Sober Truth on Preventing" Underage Drinking. The grant will support the Safe Homes Parent Network which engages parents in a coordinated effort to prevent and reduce underage drinking & its consequences and to change community norms regarding underage drinking. Click here to learn more.

THE PARENT KIT

If you are a parent who feels at a loss as to what to say when it comes to talking to your teens about alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs, then you may want to access the "Your Child Didn't Come with an Owner's Manual" Parent Kit.