1. Choosing the Best Path: Avoiding Addictions Presented by: Yvonne Kays, MAT AOD Prevention Health Educator

2. IN OUR FAMILY ? 1 out of every 3 families report being affected by problem drinking 1 out of every 4 children live with an alcoholic parent In most Marion County classrooms over half the students have worried about drugs, gambling or alcohol use in their family

3. New Addiction Oregon is 2 nd only to Nevada for all the opportunities we offer to gamble 88% of problem gamblers are addicted to video slot/poker machines Higher risk of suicide Alcohol/drug use increases risk Treatment is free and confidential in Oregon – call 1-877-MY LIMIT or chat online at 1877mylimit.org

4. HIGHER RISK FOR ADDICTIONS Children with addiction in their families Children who begin use at any early age: 15 and under = 40% 18 and over = 10% Women

5. PERPETUATION OF ADDICTION Children with higher risk for addiction begin use and progress into addiction. and/or They may marry an addictive person. and/or Their children may become addicted. Be aware – choose to avoid the problem

6. THE FAMILY STRUCTURE is altered when a family member becomes dependent Other family members try to cope by behaving differently

7. CONSPIRACY OF SILENCE The “unspoken” rules Don’t Talk  Don’t Feel  Don’t Trust

8. ROLES IN THE FAMILY Children cope by taking on different roles - And then get stuck in that role.

9. FAMILY HERO  The “Good” kid  Super responsible  Perfectionist  Overachiever

10. THE REBEL  In trouble  Acts out anger  Defiant  Alcohol & drug use may begin

11. THE LOST CHILD  The quiet one  Isolates to room  Spends time alone  Doesn’t draw attention

12. The Mascot  Clowns around  Distracts, teases  Smile becomes mask  Uses humor to draw attention

13. Remember the seven C’s I didn’t cause it I can’t control it I can’t cure it I can learn to cope with it By taking better care of myself By communicating my feelings And by making health choices

14. INFORMATION AVAILABLE  Al-Anon/Alateen(for family/friends)  AA/NA/GA(what is addiction/help)  Intervention (how to confront)  Specific Drug information  Stop Smoking information  Problem gambling information