So what do I say

to my children about
alcohol and drugs?
order code DA063
Here is a description of how alcohol makes people
feel. You may wish to share this information with your
child, based on his or her age. It is important to tell
them that in Canada, it is illegal for children to drink
alcohol, but when people do
After the frst drink or two a person feels relaxed, is
less self-conscious and talks more. A person feels less
stressed and feels bolder and wants to be noticed. This is
impairment.
During the beginning stages of impairment a person may
experience: loss of judgment; decreased coordination;
dulled thinking; mood and behavior changes.
After more drinks, a person becomes more sentimental,
more excited and a little euphoric. Your emotions can rise
to the surface and make you very sensitive; you dont feel
quite yourself anymore.
And then your judgment is less sound, you dont speak as
clearly, you dont walk steadily, you see double and you
may become aggressive. You may place yourself at risk
for a sexual encounter you would not have otherwise. You
may black out and forget what happened. You may act
inappropriately and do things you will regret later. You
have become intoxicated. You may vomit, assault someone
or even fall into an alcohol coma.
What Do I Need to Know About
Alcohol and Drugs?
Alcohol
There are two kinds of alcohol. Ethyl alcohol is the kind present in beer,
wine, spirits (hard liquor like rum, whiskey, etc.), and liqueurs. This
alcohol is called beverage alcohol. Alcohol comes in various forms:
beer, wine, coolers, ciders and distilled spirits or hard liquor. Many
people dont think of alcohol as a drug, but it is! Alcohol is the most
abused drug in our country. It is the number one drug of choice for chil-
dren and adolescents. One in four nineyear-olds have tried drinking
and in a 2005 national youth survey, 62.3% of youth between the ages
of 1517 considered themselves alcohol users.
Methyl alcohol is completely different and is found in solvents, paint
removers, antifreeze and other household and industrial products.
Methyl alcohol is a poison and should never be drunk.
Drugs
A drug is any substance other than food, which is taken to change the
way the body or the mind works. Medical Drugs include: allergy medi-
cines, cold/cough medicines, minor pain medications, antibiotics, and
prescription medicines. Legal Drugs include: caffeine, nicotine and
alcohol. Illegal Drugs include: marijuana, cocaine, Heroin, Psilocybin,
and LSD. Drugs affect many parts of your body, including the brain.
Cannabis is the most widely used illegal drug in Canada. It is a mood-
altering drug that comes from the Cannabis sativa plant. People use it in
three forms: as marijuana (the dried leaf of the plant), hashish and hash
oil (both from the plant resin). Mixing marijuana and alcohol can lead
to alcohol poisoning. Marijuana blocks the urge to vomit, which is the
bodys first defense against alcohol poisoning. Studies indicate that one
in three high school seniors smoke marijuana. Researchers have noted
that fewer students perceive great risk in trying marijuana and fewer
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students are reporting strong disapproval in trying marijuana. Cannabis
is considered a unique drug that does not belong in either the hallucino-
gen or depressant category.
Drugs are not regulated in their contents, as they are illegal. One does not
know what they are purchasing as many drugs have added ingredients such
as methamphedamines, crack cocaine, etc.
Amphetamines (speed, ice, glass, crystal, crank, bennies, uppers) are
stimulants. They are a group of drugs that speed up the central nervous
system. The effects are wakefulness, alertness, increased energy, reduced
hunger and an over-all feeling of well-being.
Hallucinogens, affect perception, emotions, and mental processing.
They produce distortions of reality and hallucinations. They are also
referred to as psychedelics. They include LSD (acid), PCP (angel
dust), and magic mushrooms.
Cocaine (crack, coke, C, flake, snow) is a powerful central nervous sys-
tem stimulant and an anesthetic that numbs whatever tissue it touches.
Cocaine over works the body and the brain, boosting the heart rate,
blood pressure and temperature.
Depressants act on the central nervous system to suppress neural activ-
ity in the brain. Alcohol, opiates (drugs from the opium poppy her-
oin, morphine, codeine), barbiturates (downers, blue heavens, yellow
jackets, red devils), benzodiazepines (medication prescribed for daytime
anxiety relief ) are all depressants.
Ecstasy is sold in a tablet or gelatin capsule form and is both a stimu-
lant and a hallucinogen. It is produced through chemical synthesis,
mostly in illicit laboratories. It is often called a designer drug.
Solvents and aerosols can be used as inhalant drugs. They are easy to
obtain and include gasoline, shoe polish, paint removers, model airplane
glue, nail polish remover, spray deodorants, hair spray and insecticides.
Individuals who use inhalants/solvents are commonly young; between
(8) eight and (16) sixteen years old. Many of us, including our children,
do not realize that sniffing can kill, the very first time it is tried or the
one-hundredth time.
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What do I say at what age?
Children learn their attitudes about alcohol and drugs
from those around them, especially from their parents or
other adults. You need to speak to your children about
alcohol and drugs when they are young. Also, a constant
dialogue should continue throughout their adolescence.
Early childhood (0-3)
During this stage of your childrens lives, it is important to develop a
positive loving attachment with them. They need to know that you are
there for them, and that you not only provide for their basic needs, but
love and protect them. Being a good role model is key in all the stages of
development. Drink alcohol responsibly.
Preschoolers (3-5)
Preschoolers are very imaginative and curious. If they are not told the
facts, or if they are given only part of the picture they will use their
imaginations to fill in the blanks. They also soak up information like
little sponges. Not only do they want a lot of information, they also
accept what you tell them at face value. This is a good time to set a
straightforward tone in talking to them about any serious subject. This
is the time to raise the topic yourself at opportune teachable moments.
Take advantage of social gatherings or other times your child may be
around alcohol. Avoid the cute words adults sometimes use to make
themselves feel more comfortable; this is not only unnecessary but also
not helpful for the child. At this age discuss why children need healthy
food, explain that prescription medication are drugs that can help the
person for whom they are meant and point out poisonous and harmful
substances commonly found in your home (bleaches, cleansers, etc.)
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You are the role model; your attitude, actions,
words and choices have a major infuence on
your children, even if you think they are not
paying attention. What you say is almost as
important as what you do. Your children watch
what you do and hear what you say, and home
is where they frst learn how to behave. It is
important to recognize that children start
learning about alcohol and other drugs as soon
as they are able to observe other peoples use of
and attitudes towards alcohol and other drugs.
School age (5-8)
Off to school and now the influence of peers begin. This is the time to
really get to know your childrens friends and their families. Continue
to initiate discussions about alcohol and drugs. Give them complete
accurate information and ensure they are aware of both the upside and
the dangers. Continue to make healthy choices in your own life to show
them how to take good care of themselves and their own bodies. If you
do not have the answer to a question it is OK to say, I dont know, but
together lets find out! This is a stage where children are interested in
details of how things work, and how information connects together. By
the end of this developmental stage your child should know: how foods,
poisons, medications and illegal drugs differ; how medications prescribed
by a doctor may help during an illness but can be harmful if misused;
and why adults may drink alcohol but children may not, even in small
amounts, as it is harmful to childrens developing brains and bodies.
School age (9-14)
Children at this stage are developing and confirming their personal
boundaries; they are learning about their comfort zones. Keep on talk-
ing, this is when they need accurate information the most! Over one
quarter of Canadian 13-year-olds drink alcohol: 2.7% just about
every weekend and 24% just about every month or less. Explain the
difference in drinking in moderation and abusing alcohol. Be firm and
consistent in your rules around alcohol and children. You may want
to sign an agreement that sets out the terms and consequences if your
children do not abide by them. If you make an agreement, make sure
you stick to it. Stay up-to-date with what is happening in your childrens
lives. Know who their friends are and what they are up to to! Make sure
that your children know that they can come to you if they need to talk.
Instill in your children the confidence they need to withstand pressures
from friends. Applaud their ability to think for themselves and make
their own decisions. By age (11) eleven your child should know: the
immediate effects of alcohol, tobacco and drug use on different parts of
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the body, including risk of coma or fatal overdose; the long-term con-
sequences (how and why drugs can be addicting) and the reason why
drugs are especially dangerous for growing bodies. Teach your child to
be aware of how drugs and alcohol are promoted. Discuss how advertis-
ing, song lyrics, movies and television shows bombard them with mes-
sages that using alcohol and other drugs is glamorizing.
(15 and 16)
This is a time when teens assert themselves more. They go out with
groups of friends more often and there is pressure to do what every-
one else is doing. At parties they may want to drink alcohol. 24% of
16-year-olds drink alcohol just about every weekend. Just 23%
of 16-year-olds have never had a drink. Always know where your
teens are, whom they are with, what they are doing and how they are
behaving. Provide support through supervision, be in charge, but be
reasonable. Define your expectations and establish clear, reasonable
rules. Share with your children coping skills like calling if they need a
ride, how to say no to alcohol and drugs and have a family safety plan.
Practice the safety plan by role-playing the skills you want them to have.
They should understand what the consequences may be if they become
intoxicated (becoming involved in a fight, an unplanned or unwanted
sexual encounter, a motor vehicle collision; feel free to share your own
ideas and or experiences). Information about lower-risk drinking guide-
lines and what is a standard drink is also important for them have.
(17 and 18)
At this age advertising that associates drinking with having a good time
influences teens. Communication during this rebellious age can be
more difficult because of their need to separate from their parents and
forge their own identity. It is important that parents praise and encour-
age young people for all the things they do well and for the positive
choices they make. Knowing the adults in their lives appreciate them
is highly motivating and can support teens in their commitments to
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Adolescent development includes the
physical changes of puberty and cognitive
and emotional development. While concrete
thought processes characterize early
adolescence, by middle to late adolescence
the ability for abstract thought develops,
facilitating the formation of a self-identity
and the ability to process implications and
consequences of actions. Through trial and
error, young people learn acceptable or
appropriate limits of behaviour. They learn this
partly through sharing their experiences with
peers, and partly through interactions with
adults, who provide feedback on adolescent
behaviour and set boundaries around what
is appropriate. Adult drinking behaviour
infuences adolescent drinking attitudes
considerably.
avoiding drug use. Dont be afraid to speak frankly. When you talk to
them be sure that everyones view is heard and respected. Speak about
what can happen if they use alcohol or drugs at school, work, while
playing a sport or when driving.
Tips for talking with children
Focus on the facts; give your children factual, age appropriate
information about alcohol and other drugs.
Keep your explanations short and simple and use teachable
moments.
Children like to ask questions; be ready to listen to and address
their questions.
Children respond better to conversation than to lectures.
You cannot tell children too much. They will absorb what they
can and tune out what they cannot. Repeat yourself often; rein-
forcement is necessary.
Include your values and emotions in your discussion, and help
your children practice making decisions.
Discuss things they see on television, like the glamorization of
alcohol use. This gives them the facts so they can counteract televi-
sion bias and glamour.
Remember
the value of helping your children build self-esteem. You
can do this by doing activities with your child, as well as
showing unconditional love.
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Sources:
- Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission
www.aadac.com
- Centre for Addictions and Mental health
www.camh.net
- Canadian Health Network
www.canadian-health-network.ca
- Enablelink
www.enablelink.org
- Growing Up Drug Free
www.ed.gov/ofces/OSDFS/parents_guide/parent_guide5.html
- Toronto Public Health
www.toronto.ca/health/start_talking/index.htm
- Addictions Foundation of Manitoba
www.afm.mb.ca
- Be prepared to talk to your children about drinking, the Yukon
Liquor Corporation
- Sex Spelled out for Parents, Viewers Guide, Carson Street Productions
Ltd. 2005
Other helpful websites:
- Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse
www.ccsa.ca
- Alcohol Policy Network
www.apolnet.ca
- Saskatchewan Health Publications
www.health.gov.sk.ca/ps_alcohol_and_drugs_publications.html
- Saskatchewan Prevention Institute
www.preventioninstitute.sk.ca
- Invest in Kids
www.investinkids.ca
- Kids health
www.kidshealth.org
THIS RESOURCE IS PREPARED
FOR PARENTS BY:
Te Alcohol and Drug Education
and Prevention Directorate of the
Saskatchewan Ministry of Health