1. Long Island Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc. LICADD 516-747-2606 631-979-1700 1-800-585-5422 www.licadd.org

2. What is a drug?

3.  A foreign substance introduced into the body that produces change in normal body functioning  Mind and mood altering substances

4.  Alcohol  Amphetamine  Cannabis  Hallucinogens  Opiates  Benzodiazepines  Sedatives  Stimulants

5. Why do people use drugs?

6.  Curiosity  Peer pressure  Relaxation  Anxiety  Social acceptance  Depression  Escape  Energy  Lose inhibitions

8.  Stress from school  Relationships (friends)  Relationships (romantic)  Family pressures and problems  Transitions and fitting in  Independence (driving)  Availability of drugs and alcohol

10. RISK DISAPPROVAL USE

11. Risk Factors for Drug Use and Abuse  Family history- predisposition to drug or alcohol problems  Close friends who use drugs or alcohol  Early first use  Diagnosed or undiagnosed depression/other mental health disorders  Problems in school/learning disabilities

12.  Gateway drugs include alcohol, nicotine and marijuana.  Subtle changes in attitudes and related behaviors.  Defense mechanisms: denial, rationalization and intellectualization ‘backfire’ and create dysfunction.

13. Abstinence Infrequent use Early abuse Abuse Dependence Intensive Treatment Drug Involvement Brief intervention: Schools, courts, pediatric clinics, emergency rooms, mental health clinics Adapted from Broadening the Base of Alcohol Treatment (IOM) BI as supplemental therapy

14.  Physical: the body has adapted to the drug and the lack of it will lead to specific withdrawal symptoms.  Psychological: a sense of need for a specific substance is felt either for the drugs’ perceived effects, or to avoid the negative effects associated with abstinence.

15.  “A disease process characterized by the continued use of a substance despite physical, psychological or social harm.”  A disease of the mind (as seen in the DSM-IV-R).  Dysfunctional defense mechanisms and lack of healthy coping skills.

16. Shift in interests towards substance use

17. Young people who begin drinking before age 15 are 4 times more likely to develop alcohol dependence than those who abstain until age 21. CAMY Report, 2007

18.  Each year, approximately 5,000 people under the age of 21 die as a result of underage drinking  1,900 deaths from motor vehicle accidents  1,600 homicides  300 suicides U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services, 2007

19.  Alcohol kills 6½ times more teenagers than all illicit drugs.  95% of violent crimes on college campuses are alcohol- related.  High levels of alcohol use interferes with brain development

20.  It is illegal for any person over the age of eighteen who owns, rents, or otherwise controls a private residence, to allow the consumption of alcoholic beverages by any minor on the premises  This law provides a legal basis for holding adults responsible for knowingly allowing parties for individuals under the age of 21 to occur at a place under their control, whether or not they provide the alcohol.

21. 5 SIGNS 1.Decline in school work and grades 2.Abrupt change in friends, groups, or actions 3.Sleeping habits/abnormal health issues 4.Deteriorating relationships with family 5.Less open and honest

22. Substance abuse is a disease. Left untreated it will progressively get worse.

23.  Long Island Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc. (LICADD): www.licadd.org 516-747-2606 or 1-800-585-5422  Alcoholics Anonymous Hotline Nassau County: 516-292-3045  Narcotics Anonymous Nassau County: 516-827-9500