Drugs
Drug Awareness
By Teen Health Centre
Oct 28, 2004, 18:39

Each year during the 3rd week of August, health professionals from across the province recognize Drug Awareness Week with a multitude of community events. This year Drug Awareness Week is November 17-22. The Windsor and Essex County Drug Awareness Week Committee has been working hard to plan and implement events and encourage schools to participate.

However, drugs and alcohol are not issues that we should focus on just once a year. The dangers and risks associated with drug and alcohol use are things that we should be aware of year round. This is especially true for teenagers, as alcohol and drug use peak during your high school years.

One of the main problems is the “It’s Just…” theory. Teenagers think that since its just alcohol they are drinking or marijuana they are using, that it isn’t that bad, and that they could be into more harmful drugs. While this is true, alcohol and marijuana have risks associated with them, just like other drugs do.

Alcohol is the most used drug among teenagers. In 2001, 77% of teenagers reported drinking alcohol, with 44% stating that they had been drunk. Those numbers are very high, considering that drinking underage is illegal. It comes back to the “Its Just…” theory. Many teens seem to think that drinking underage is a part of growing up, which is something that they are supposed to do. Alcohol use is everywhere in our society, how bad can it be? The fact is that alcohol is a drug and can be very damaging to your body, especially the way that young people drink. When most teens drink the plan is to get as drunk as possible, to drink more than they did the last time, and achieve the ultimate goal of throwing up and passing out.

Teens commonly binge drink, which is identified as more than five drinks in one sitting. They know that the more they drink, and the faster they drink it, the quicker they get drunk. They are also closer to alcohol poisoning. Vomiting and passing out are signs of alcohol toxicity. They are signs that your body cannot tolerate any more alcohol and either tries to get rid of it, shuts your body down. These signs are not to be taken lightly. Far too often are teens left to “sleep it off”, when they should be placed in the recovery position and monitored continuously. If their breathing gets shallow and they become totally unresponsive, call for an ambulance. Your friend may be mad at you for a few days because he had to get his stomached pumped and got in trouble from his parents, but at least he’s still around to be mad at you.

The risks associated with alcohol become even greater when a vehicle becomes involved. While teens are not the biggest offenders of impaired driving, the risks still exist. Programs and presentations have helped students understand that getting behind the wheel after drinking alcohol is wrong, but 33% still reported getting into a car in which the driver had been drinking. It is important to understand that a designated driver is the person who has had nothing to drink, not the person who is the least drunk. If a situation like this occurs, have a plan. Plan to stay overnight, or have someone that you can call that will come and pick you up, no questions asked. Having these plans in place can prevent you from making quick, irrational decisions and keep you safe.

It is important to be aware of the harmful effects of alcohol and other drugs. Get yourself educated on the legal and health risks associated with consuming alcohol and taking drugs. Being educated and aware will help you come up with a plan and make the right decisions.

For more information on alcohol and other drug issues please visit www.windsorfocus.com or call the Windsor FOCUS Community program at 254-6116.

For help with drug and alcohol use contact
the Teen Health Centre at (519)253-8481
and ask to speak to a counsellor

© Copyright 2004 by CyberSync.com