Information for parents
This information for parents is brought to you by Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula ’s Clint Eastwood Youth Program. The Clint Eastwood Youth Program provides a structured program to treat drug and alcohol abuse as well as mental health problems for adolescents, 12 to 18 years old.
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Could My Child Be Experimenting With Drugs?
A study reported by the Office of National Drug Control Policy showed that in 1999 more than half the students in the United States tried an illegal drug before graduating from high school… MORE
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“It’s no big deal. It’s only marijuana.”
Many people still believe marijuana use is not a big deal. Others remember the images from the film “Refer Madness.” Recent studies on marijuana… MORE
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“It was only a joint.”
There are many reasons someone might use marijuana. Maybe their friends or family members use it. Perhaps they think it’s “cool.” Or it could be that... MORE
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Inhalants—A Cheap and Very Dangerous High
Many aerosols and other household chemicals are damaging to the environment, but most people probably don’t think of them as a potential danger to their children... MORE
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To Drug Test or Not to Drug Test
Perhaps your child’s behavior seems a little strange lately — coming home a little “hung over,” keeping the door to his/her room closed, secretive phone calls... MORE
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Kids and Alcohol
What’s the big deal with underage drinking? Statistics regarding underage drinking are alarming and the consequences are often tragic. Alcohol use can lead to... MORE
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Getting Ready to Go Back to School
OK. Summer break is almost over. You’ve gotten the school supplies and the new clothes. You’re prepared. But something just doesn’t feel right. You’re not alone. It’s called back-to-school stress... MORE
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The Road to Addiction
How to steer your child in another direction. The earlier an adolescent begins using drugs and alcohol, the greater the chances of his/her use progressing into chemical dependency... MORE
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Ritalin Use and Abuse
In 1990 doctors prescribed Ritalin for 900,000 American kids. Today it is estimated that 4 to 5 million children per year are taking Ritalin by prescription... MORE
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“Speed by any other name…!”
Methamphetamine has many names; “speed,” “meth,” and “chalk.” When smoked it may be referred to as “ice,” “crystal,” “crank,” and “glass.” It comes in many forms; usually a white, odorless, bitter-tasting... MORE
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Helping Your Children “Just say no”
Parents have been called the “antidrug” for good reason. Studies demonstrate that children whose parents let them know that using drugs/alcohol is unacceptable are more likely not to use... MORE
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Moodiness? Or is it More?
Moodiness is often considered the hallmark of adolescence. Teenagers are known for emotional turmoil, quick mood changes, gloom, hypersensitivity and “drama.” Moodiness can be... MORE
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Prescription Drug Abuse: OxyContin®
OxyContin (oxycodone) was developed and introduced to manage severe pain. But according to the Drug Enforcement Agency, no prescription drug in the last 20 years has been so widely abused... MORE
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Not in My House?
Most of us use medications only as directed, and feel that our homes are free from dangerous or addictive drugs. But you may need to rethink home safety. Over-the-counter cough syrup... MORE
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Drug and Alcohol Use — It Really is Dangerous to Your Teen
No matter how you look at it, drug and alcohol use is a danger to your children! It is linked to many life-altering consequences, particularly among teens. And for teenagers, alcohol, drug, and cigarette use is a predictor for adult alcohol and drug dependence and for adult psychiatric disorders... MORE
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High vs Hype: The Truth About Teenagers and Alcohol
Car crashes are the leading cause of death for young people ages 15 to 20. And teens have the highest crash risk of any age group. Combining most teens’ inexperience on the road and their risk-taking behavior with any drug or alcohol use increases the risk of disaster... MORE
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Could Someone You Know Be a “Cutter?"
It is difficult to understand why anyone would intentionally cause themselves pain or injury, but it is estimated that 1 percent of Americans “self-injure.” Certainly, no parent wants to believe his or her child could be capable of such a thing, but this phenomenon is on the rise and must not be ignored... MORE
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Should I Say Something…Or is it Just a Stage?
Alcohol and drug use is a problem that affects all of us, some more directly than others. It is a topic that is often difficult to discuss. What do you do when you think someone you care about is using drugs... MORE
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My Child Would Never Use Heroin
Chances are, most teenagers will try drugs at some time. If they get the message that drugs are OK because the adults in their lives or their friends use them, if they are unhappy, or if they get little or no supervision, their risk of using goes up... MORE
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It’s Tough to Be a Teen
Being a teenager isn’t easy, and neither is being the parent of a teenager. The teenage years are a physical, emotional, and psychological roller coaster. Your sweet innocent child can become a grumpy, withdrawn, moody, hostile person you hardly recognize... MORE
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