VOL. 1 | 2015
KEEPING OUR KIDS
DRUG-FREE
THIS COMMUNITY CAMPAIGN IS GENEROUSLY SUPPORTED BY:
Please remember to Fly your Local Airport
TERRY-MARXEN chevrolet • cadillac 1118 W. HWY 66 • (928) 774-2794 • WWW.TERRYMARXEN.COM
Five common reasons why kids use drugs
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By Theresa Londoño
any people make assumptions about kids who get drawn in to a problem with drug or alcohol use. Some common beliefs are that kids who run with a “bad crowd” are the ones most likely to use, or that the warning sign for parents is rebellious behavior. Although it is true that peers have a significant influence over our kids’ choices, and that rebellion is a cause for concern, these ideas do not paint a complete picture of youth substance abuse risks. There are a number of ways in which that type of thinking is problematic. First, there are no
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CURIOSITY
Due to the nature of the adolescent stage of brain development, teens tend to be impulsive, acting without considering potential negative consequences. Their brains are often wired to seek novel challenges, which may or may not be safe.
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“bad” kids, only those who may be communicating a need for help, guidance and support. Also, if a parent only relies on their child’s level of compliance to indicate whether or not they may be engaging in drinking or drug use, that parent may miss other telling indicators. Reasons why kids turn to drugs and alcohol are as diverse as kids themselves. When parents have a greater awareness of the variety of contributing factors, they will be more effective in protecting their kids and preparing them to successfully handle risky situations. Let’s look at some common reasons kids use substances.
BODY IMAGE
Kids are exposed to many unrealistic expectations regarding masculine and feminine beauty standards and sometimes they believe that taking certain kinds of drugs will help them to slim down or bulk up.
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ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE
With all the pressures stemming from the emphasis on test scores and the competition to win scholarships to be able to attain higher education, sometimes kids get the idea that certain types of drugs will help them to perform better academically or to study more effectively.
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Our kids have been exposed to many incidences in the media of high profile athletes who were discovered to have been “doping.” These influences can encourage a belief that such drug use is acceptable and/or necessary if one is to do well on the court or on the field.
Being aware of the myriad causes of youth substance abuse can help parents be more effective in their prevention and/or intervention efforts. If you are a parent who is interested in exploring strategies to improve 2
ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE
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COPING MECHANISM
Mental health concerns, like depression and anxiety, are common enough among adolescents. If they lack necessary supports and interventions, they may run the risk of attempting to manage their problems by escaping through drug or alcohol use.
communication, ways to build essential character traits, and methods of effective discipline that can short-circuit power struggles, contact us at DrugFreeAZKids.org to register for one of our free Active Parenting workshops. Keeping Our Kids Drug-Free | Vol. 1, 2015
KEEPING OUR KIDS
Knowing the signs Possible indicators your teenage son or daughter is abusing substances By the Staff of Drug Free Arizona Kids
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Personal Appearance • Messy- shows lack of caring for appearance • Poor hygiene • Red, flushed cheeks or face • Track marks on arms or legs or long sleeves in warm weather to hide marks
• Failure to fulfill responsibilities at school or work
• Frequently breaks curfew • Cash flow problems • Reckless driving, car accidents or unexplained dents in the car • Avoiding eye contact • Locked doors • Going out every night • Secretive phone calls • Munchies or sudden appetite
Vol. 1, 2015 | Keeping Our Kids Drug-Free
School or Work Related Issues
• Clenching teeth
Personal Habits or Actions
• Heavy use of medicine to reduce eye reddening, nasal irritation or bad breath
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• Disappearances for long periods of time • Truancy or loss of interest in schoolwork
• Chewing gum or mints to cover up breath
Behavioral Issues prepared for it. Decide, in advance, how you’ll respond to a yes. Make sure you reassure your child that you’re looking out for him or her, and that you only want the best for his or her future. Of course, not all teens are going to fess up to drug or alcohol use, and a no could also mean your child is in need of help for mental health issues. That’s why experts strongly recommend that you consider getting a professional assessment of your child with a pediatrician or child psychologist to find out what’s going on. In the case of teen substance abuse, don’t be afraid to err on the side of caution. Teaming up with professionals to help your teen is the best way to make sure he or she has a healthy future.
• Periods of sleeplessness or high energy, followed by long periods of catch-up sleep
• Burns or soot on fingers or lips from joints or roaches burning down
• Smell of smoke or other unusual smells on breath or on clothes
here is no easy way to figure out if your teen is using drugs or alcohol. As you’ll see, many of the signs and symptoms of teen substance abuse listed below are also, at times, typical adolescent behavior. Many are also symptoms of mental health issues, including depression or anxiety disorders. If you’ve noticed any of the changes related to substance abuse listed below, don’t be afraid to come right out and ask your teen direct questions like, “Have you been offered drugs?” If yes, “What did you do?” or “Have you been drinking or using drugs?” While no parent wants to hear a yes response to these questions, be
• Unusually elated
• Change in relationships with family members or friends • Loss of inhibitions • Mood changes or emotional instability • Loud, obnoxious behavior • Laughing at nothing
• Loss of interest in extracurricular activities, hobbies, or sports
• Complaints from teachers or co-workers • Reports of intoxication at school or work
Health Issues • Nosebleeds
• Runny nose, not caused by allergies or a cold • Frequent sickness • Sores or spots around mouth • Queasy or nauseous • Seizures • Vomiting • Wetting lips or excessive thirst • Sudden or dramatic weight loss or gain • Skin abrasions/bruises • Accidents or injuries • Depression • Headaches • Sweatiness
Home or Car Related
• Unusually clumsy, stumbling, lack of coordination or poor balance
• Disappearance of prescription or over-the-counter pills
• Sullen, withdrawn or depressed
• Missing alcohol or cigarettes
• Unusually tired
• Disappearance of money or valuables
• Silent, uncommunicative
• Smell in the car, or bottles, pipes or bongs on floor or in glove box
• Hostility, anger or uncooperative behavior • Deceitful or secretive • Makes endless excuses • Decreased motivation • Lethargic movement • Unable to speak intelligibly, slurred speech or rapid-fire speech • Inability to focus • Hyperactivity
• Appearance of unusual containers or wrappers, or seeds left on surfaces used to clean marijuana, like Frisbees. • Appearance of unusual drug apparatuses, including pipes, rolling papers, small medicine bottles, eye drops, butane lighters, or makeshift smoking devices, like bongs made out of toilet paper rolls and aluminum foil. • Hidden stashes of alcohol.
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From classroom to home
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Some ways teachers build relationships that parents can also use By Theresa Londoño
he academic year is in full swing, and helping kids succeed academically is top of mind for many parents. Aside from what kids will learn this year from their teachers, there is a great deal that parents can learn from teachers as well. Here are our top five tips from teachers for a full and successful school year. Communicate clear expectations Kids need clarity and sometimes we adults assume that they understand it because we’ve said it. That’s not always the case. This can be a common pitfall in establishing morning and bedtime routines, homework rules, chores and those important prevention practices. Teachers have to communicate expectations clearly to their students at the outset of every year, and repeatedly throughout the year. Here are some guidelines as to how they do it. Use positively worded messages. Tell your child what you want them to do, not what you don’t want them to do. For example, instead of saying, “Stop leaving your shoes in the way when you get home,” say, “Please put your shoes in the closet.” Focus on relationship-building Teachers work hard to get to know and build rapport with their students. This lays the crucial foundation for 4
their role as an important guide in their students’ lives. Become the “askable” parent so your kids will turn to you when they have worries and doubts instead of turning to their friends, or worse, to substances. Practice active communication. You don’t know what that is? No problem! A great way to learn how to accomplish this is to attend a DrugFreeAZKids. org evidence-based parent workshop offered in many communities throughout the state. Have a plan Teachers painstakingly plan their instruction with the final outcome in mind. Think about what kind of adult you’d like to raise. What do you need to be doing now to reach that result? Life can get hectic and patience can wear thin when each family member is spinning off in their own direction. Strike a more harmonious tone in your household by having family meetings so that schedules can be synched, menus planned and materials gathered with fewer stressful surprises. Will schedules dictate your kids being home alone? Be sure they’re ready to handle this responsibility. Set clear rules and a back-up contact in the event your child needs an adult’s assistance. Ask your child what potential problems they might anticipate and discuss possible ways to handle them.
Address prevention Good news: parents have a lot of influence over their children and teens. Capitalize on this strength by talking with them early and often, as young as the preschool years. Set up a family policy with everyone’s input. Kids whose parents speak with them about the dangers of drugs and alcohol are up to 50 percent less likely to try them.
to figure out how to solve his own problem communicates that you have confidence his capabilities (assuming the problem does not involve health, safety, family values, or is beyond the child’s maturity). Self-esteem and responsibility is built on facing and overcoming challenges.
Think about the values you want your child to have. Empathy is Give you child responsibility important in every classroom. If kids Give your child responsibility, don’t feel emotionally “safe” in the even though he/she may goof up. classroom environment, learning won’t Teachers would rather have a student happen. Studies have shown that the experience the natural consequence at majority of children believe that their school for, say, not having homework parents value achievement over caring. in, than miss the chance to build Clarify your core values in your own responsibility if mom or dad brings mind, so that you will be able to instill it in for the child. Allowing a child them in your kids. Keeping Our Kids Drug-Free | Vol. 1, 2015
KEEPING OUR KIDS
Drugs and dorms
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Substance abuse on campus spotlighted in recent investigation By the Daily Sun Staff
long with the pressures of young people and students to abuse drugs for different reasons related to social pressures or academic or athletic performance, a recent investigation at Northern Arizona University also showed how drug dealing can stem from financial pressure. According to an NAUPD report, officers were dispatched to Sechrist Hall on Sept. 21 after a student told his resident adviser he believed one of his
two roommates was storing drugs in their dorm room. The reporting party had returned from class at about 9 a.m. that day to find his roommate and another man he had never met bent over a desk in the room. The reporting party saw the same thing a few hours later. That time, though, the reporting party noticed his roommate had two plastic bags containing a white, powdery substance. The roommate and the other man referred to the substance as cocaine and discussed its price.
DRUG-FREE
NAUPD officers executed a search warrant on the suspect’s dorm room Sept. 22. Inside, they found the two plastic bags of white powder the reporting party had described. They were sent to the Arizona Department of Public Safety crime lab, where the powder tested positive for the presence of cocaine. Officers also found other suspicious items in the room, including plastic tubes and straws containing suspected cocaine residue and a ledger containing names, dollar amounts and quantities of drugs. Police believe the suspect used the ledger to keep track of the cocaine he sold. Those items were collected as evidence. The roommate of the suspect told police he had brought cocaine up from Tucson the previous weekend and started selling it. He also admitted to using the cocaine, as well as marijuana, but denied buying the drugs from the
suspect. He was cited and released for possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. Officers arrested the suspected drug dealer at Sechrist Hall. He told the police he was attending NAU on a full academic scholarship, but said the scholarship did not give him the $600 he needed to purchase books for his classes this semester. He admitted he was looking for a quick way to make money when he started hanging around the wrong people in Tucson. The suspect said his new friends provided him with 28 grams of cocaine to sell for $50 to $60 per gram. He was supposed to pay the cartel that provided the drugs $700 and keep the rest of the money he made for himself. While the investigation is ongoing, it brings to light how drug use can potentially expand on to campuses when other students use it as a way to deal with a financial shortfall.
Spotlight on Heroin: The facts Street Names: Smack, Mud, Dope, Horse, Junk, Brown Sugar, Big H, Black Tar
What Is It and What Does It Look Like: Heroin is an opiate drug that can be a white to dark brown powder or tar-like substance.
How It’s Used/Abused: Ingested, smoked, snorted, or heated into a liquid and injected.
What Teens Have Heard: “Full-on euphoria, but super risky.” Short and Long Term Effects: Constricted pupils, impaired night vision, vomiting after first use and high doses, respiratory failure, dry itchy skin, skin infections, increased risk of exposure to HIV, hepatitis, infectious diseases and death.
Arizona Teen Facts: Heroin use continues to rise. Signs of Abuse: Track marks on arms, slowed and slurred speech, vomiting. Every Parent Should Know: Heroin paraphernalia can include burnt spoons or
plastic scoops, needles, razor blades, straws, pipes, plastic tubing, rolled-up dollar bills, eyedroppers and aluminum foil. Heroin overdose is a particular risk on the street where the purity of the drug cannot be accurately known. Heroin is highly addictive. Vol. 1, 2015 | Keeping Our Kids Drug-Free
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Effective Conversations for Prevention
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How to start the conversation about substance abuse in your family and in your community By Jennifer O’Neill, The Guidance Center
outh substance abuse affects everyone in some way. The best way adults can help prevent youth substance use and abuse is through effective communication. To be successful,
adults need to do more than just talk; the key to successful conversations is to maintain an open dialogue and to share information and facts. Parents are the most influential people to have these conversations, but other trusted adults can have a positive impact as well. Part of the challenge for parents is keeping up with the constant changes in an adolescent’s life as well as in the world. It seems like every day there are “new” drugs on the streets, new names for old drugs, or new ways of using them. It can be overwhelming. You can learn from your teen through an open dialogue and exchange of information. What your teen shares can help guide the conversation. If your child doesn’t know what’s new or what people are using, that’s probably a sign he/she is not involved in the “drug scene” and you can talk about maintaining that choice. If they do know, you can ask for them to educate you on what the different drugs are and what they are used for and why people would want to use them. Then you can talk about how drugs affect a person’s life. And don’t forget about alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, and prescription or over-the-counter medications. While these are not the “hard, street drugs” parents often worry about, they can be just as troublesome. Maybe the young person in your life does not know about “Molly” (MDMA, or ecstasy), but has started drinking with friends on Friday nights. Or it’s possible a friend has provided a pill to “help them study.” Knowing what is going on with your young person is essential to keeping him/her safe. Remember to have an open mind and do your best to keep judgments at bay. These can be difficult discussions, no doubt. Maintaining that relationship and being able to have the conversations will help you spot a
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change, if/when it occurs. There are a few things you can look for when you suspect there may be substance abuse in your child’s life. Decline in school work and grades—or your teen just doesn’t care about school work or
being lectured to about something being “good” or “bad” for them. Give them the information and help them make a moral judgment about it. There are many resources online that provide information on specific drugs and how they affect
how it has effects on other areas of a person’s life (relationships, school, work, legal system, etc.) are important to the conversation. Make sure you brush up on the facts for your side of the discussion. Studies show teens respond better when given scientific facts than they do when
reported 2013 estimated costs of underage drinking in Arizona at $1.3 billion a year. This includes medical costs, work lost costs, and pain and suffering costs. Underage drinking and youth substance abuse affects everyone in this way. You can make a difference by starting the conversation.
grades—or is not engaged in activities they used to enjoy. Abrupt changes in friends and/or behavior—a seemingly sudden change in friends (maybe you are “not too sure” about the new friends), or your teen is suddenly more secretive, moody, etc. Change in sleeping habits or abnormal health issues—sleeping a lot more or less than normal, not related to school work or other activities. Deteriorating relationships with family—your kind-hearted, loving child is now snippy and upset all the time, may even fight with family members. Less openness and honesty—you teen may not be clear about where they’re going, who they’re with, or may even lie about these things. May be secretive about friends and activities. It is important to keep in mind that any of these on its own could be attributed to “normal” teen behavior and not necessarily drug use. The suddenness of the change; or several changes at once is often an indicator and will alert you to check into it. Again, your open dialogue can help you probe and determine if you need to seek help. Talking about various aspects of alcohol and drugs, such as what it does to a person’s body,
the body. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA, www.drugabuse. gov) has information on specific drugs and also has a youth section. A great place to practice your skills talking to youth about underage drinking is on the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website, using the “Talk. They Hear You.” game. (www.samhsa. gov/underage-drinking) The Partnership for Drug Free Kids (www.drugfree.org) has great resources for parents to learn about teen brain development, what to say at different ages, and a drug guide, among many others. In addition to communicating with youth individually, you can get involved on a community level by contacting your local substance abuse prevention coalition. In Arizona, the Governor’s website will direct you to local programs and coalitions—just select Prevention and enter your ZIP code at www.substanceabuse.az.gov. If we can prevent youth from using alcohol and other substances, we can reduce a number of potential issues, such as accidents caused by drinking and driving, hospitalization due to overintoxication, legal issues, assaults, and addiction. The Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation
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he Arizona Youth Survey (AYS) is given to 8th, 10th and 12th grade students throughout the state. It is an anonymous, voluntary survey that asks questions about substance use, school safety and bullying, crime, and other related behaviors. Here are some statistics of from our Arizona youth: According to the 2014 AYS alcohol is still the most prevalent substance used by youth in Arizona. Approximately half (46%) of students reported having had alcohol at some point in their lives, with about a quarter (24.1%) of youth reporting having used in the last 30 days, indicating regular use. Marijuana use by adolescence has surpassed cigarette use, with 27% having used marijuana compared to 23% having used tobacco at least on one occasion. Regular use of marijuana was reported at 13.6% and cigarettes at 9.4%. Prescription drug use is a nation-wide concern and has been labeled an epidemic—not just for youth in the country, but for persons of all ages. It is important to note that in Arizona, 6.3% of youth reported past 30-day use of a prescription drug not for the purpose intended, or to get “high.” The good news is that use of most substances is slightly down from the past couple of survey years. While we should celebrate this success, there is much work yet to be done. Too many youth are still struggling with addiction and many lives are lost as a result. So get involved, talk to youth in your life and let’s work together to continue the trend of reducing youth substance use.
Keeping Our Kids Drug-Free | Vol. 1, 2015
RESOURCES FOR TALKING TO CHILDREN: www.theantidrug.com | www.drugfreeaz.com/handbook.html | www.drugfree.org
Ways to get help
Below are a number of treatment centers, coalitions and support groups to help with drugs in northern Arizona. ALCOHOL TREATMENT CENTERS NORTHERN AZ SUBSTANCE ABUSE
FLAGSTAFF MEDICAL CENTER-BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES WEST CAMPUS
RAINBOW BRIDGE RESIDENTIAL TREATMENT CENTER
THE GUIDANCE CENTER, INC.
ARIZONA BEHAVORIAL HEALTH ASSOCIATES, P.C.
COMMUNITY BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES
TUBA CITY OUTPATIENT TREATMENT CENTER
DESERT CANYON TREATMENT CENTER
2101 N. 4TH ST. #215 FLAGSTAFF, AZ 86004 (928) 773-9376 2187 N. VICKEY ST. FLAGSTAFF, AZ 86004 (928) 527-1899
1200 N. BEAVER ST. FLAGSTAFF, AZ 86001 (928) 213-6400, EXT. 16400
P.O. BOX 4466 PAGE, AZ 86040 (928) 645-1216
710 N. BEAVER ST. BLDG. 2-2 FLAGSTAFF, AZ 86001 (928) 774-7997
COMMUNITY MEDICAL SERVICES, LLC 2559 E. 7TH AVE. FLAGSTAFF, AZ 86004 (928) 714-0010
32 N. 10TH AVE., STE 5 PAGE, AZ 86040 (928) 645-5113
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES/DBHS MAIN STREET BUILDING 25 TUBA CITY, AZ 86045 (928) 283-3346
105 NAVAJO DR. SEDONA, AZ 86336 (888) 811-8371
TREATMENT CENTERS OUTSIDE OF COCONINO COUNTY NNDBHS KAIBETO OUTPATIENT TREATMENT CENTER PO BOX 2147 KAIBETO, AZ 86053 (928) 673 3267/3268
KAYENTA OUTPATIENT TREATMENT CENTER HIGHWAY 160 KAYENTA, AZ (928) 697-5570
HOPI BEHAVIORAL HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES PROGRAM SECOND MESA, AZ 86043 (928) 737-2586
Vol. 1, 2015 | Keeping Our Kids Drug-Free
WINSLOW GUIDANCE ASSOCIATES 1301 W. 2ND ST. WINSLOW, AZ 86047 (928) 289-2650
NAVAJO NATION DILKON OUTPATIENT TREATMENT CENTER WINSLOW, AZ 86047 (928) 657-8000
COMMUNITY COALITIONS COCONINO COUNTY ALLIANCE AGAINST DRUGS (CCAAD) (928) 779-5361 www.flagcasa.org
NAVAJO COUNTUY DRUG TASK FORCE (928) 524 4784 or (928) 537-4940
YAVAPAI COUNTY SUBSTANCE ABUSE COALITION (928) 708-0100
WILLIAMS ALLIANCE AGAINST DRUG ABUSE (928) 635-9645
SUPPORT GROUPS NATIVE AMERICANS FOR COMMUNITY ACTION
2717 N. STEVES BLVD., STE.11 FLAGSTAFF, AZ 86004 (928) 526-2968
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A WORD FROM OUR SPONSORS: For years, Terry Marxen has been proud to have been known as a hometown dealership. We’re proud of this tradition and we’re proud of the great community we serve. Flagstaff is a friendly place with a tradition of neighbors helping neighbors. It is in that spirit that we’re happy to sponsor the Drug-free Zone messages you have seen over the past several weeks along with this special section. We believe the youth of our community represent our future. We owe it to them – and to ourselves – to educate them about the dangers of drug abuse. This abuse represents a real threat to our community and we’re committed to doing our part to making sure Flagstaff retains its hometown charm. Terry Marxen President Terry Marxen Chevrolet Cadilac
TERRY-MARXEN chevrolet • cadillac 1118 W. HWY 66 • (928) 774-2794 • WWW.TERRYMARXEN.COM
The Flagstaff Airport is a drug free workplace. Drugs and alcohol are proven to reduce reaction time, and impair vision. Both pilots and those employed to work on the airport must maintain focus at all time to prevent injury or loss of life. Drugs and alcohol have no place in our work environment. We have very strict policies and procedures to keep alcohol and drugs out of the workplace. Drugs and alcohol abuse can be reduced through education, treatment and the support of individuals and awareness groups. We encourage all residents to be a part of a drug-free community. We support those individuals and groups in our community that are making a difference. We also encourage you to fly local!
Flagstaff is a wonderful community. But we are like many other communities challenged with our share of substance abuse. In my 29 years of law enforcement in Flagstaff, I have witnessed many times the tragic results of illegal use of drugs and alcohol. Surveys conducted statewide reveal a continuing trend of abuse of drugs and alcohol by the youth in our community. These statistics indicate that there is much room for improvement. I am grateful and encouraged for the many partnerships in place in Flagstaff to try to curb substance abuse. Local law enforcement agencies, Citizens Against Substance Abuse, the Flagstaff Unified School system, medical providers and many other social service agencies all work together collaboratively to try to treat and educate our citizens on the real dangers of drug and alcohol abuse. We need to also continue to work together to reduce the very significant problem of DUI in this community. Flagstaff has three to four times the average arrest rate for impaired driving, illustrating clearly the need for increased awareness and intolerance of this significant public safety risk. This message is brought to you by the Coconino County Metro Street Crimes Task Force Board. Board members are dedicated to reducing the use of alcohol and illicit drugs through awareness, education, enforcement, and treatment. Kevin Treadway Chief of Police Flagstaff Police Department
Barney Helmick AAE Airport Director Flagstaff Airport
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Please remember to Fly your Local Airport
As the largest health system serving Flagstaff, Northern Arizona Healthcare sees the negative effects of drug abuse on a daily basis. We are committed to partnering with other local organizations to find solutions for dealing with this problem. Rob Thames President & CEO
The Guidance Center is committed to substance abuse prevention and recovery. We are proud to partner with the Sunnyside Neighborhood Association and the Williams Alliance to provide prevention activities through our program called Communities for Closing the Gap. Our focus is to collaborate with communities to increase awareness related to underage alcohol use and prevention strategies for youth and families in Coconino County -- and ultimately reduce substance abuse. In addition to our prevention activities, The Guidance Center is also directly involved in the treatment and care of those affected by drug and alcohol use through residential and outpatient services. We are proud to provide prevention and treatment services at The Guidance Center and we are committed to doing our part to lessen the effects of substance abuse in Coconino County. Jack Callaghan, Ph.D. The Guidance Center, Inc. Citizens Against Substance Abuse (CASA) has been in the Flagstaff community since 1983. The mission is to Prevent Substance use in Coconino County while leading our youth towards health and safety. CASA provides education for parents, youth and interested community members on the topics of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs. It is our social responsibility to provide accurate and up-to-date information when it comes to substance use/ abuse and CASA provides that information with evidencebased education and training opportunities. Addiction breaks families apart. Parents and guardians play the most important role in a child’s life (even in the teen years). Sometimes it is difficult for to start that conversation about alcohol and drugs but we have the tools to help you. Be honest when speaking with your kids, let them know they are the only person responsible to keep their brain and body healthy for rest of their lives. You cannot hold their hand nor can you be there 24/7 to protect them from bad influences, but you can teach them the facts, and you can teach them the necessary tools to get through tough times. You have much more power than you think! Follow us on Facebook and you can use some of the posts to help you start that conversation or come by our office at 201 E Birch St. https://www.facebook.com/flagcasa Keeping Our Kids Drug-Free | Vol. 1, 2015