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Employee Fact Sheet #7

Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs
Making Prevention Work

Actions for Families

he following tips can help keep your family free of the consequences of using or abusing alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs (ATOD):

• Establish and enforce rules against underage drinking. Keep alcohol, tobacco products, and prescription drugs out of the reach of children too young to adhere to such rules. Do not use or store illegal drugs in your home. Avoid exposing others to tobacco smoke and acknowledge that smoking is unhealthy. Do not use alcohol if you are pregnant, plan to drive or engage in a physical activity, take medications, or cannot keep your drinking moderate.

• Be clear and consistent in stating your expectation that underage youth in your charge will not use ATOD. Let other parents know your views if your children are going to be guests in their homes.

• Be aware of the connection between alcohol and other drugs and sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV/AIDS. Using alcohol and other drugs can lead to unplanned and unprotected sex. Many drugs, including alcohol and tobacco products, also interfere with the body’s immune system.

• If a family member exhibits signs of an ATOD problem, be prepared to connect your loved one with appropriate help in your area. Learn about alcoholism, addiction, and dependence and find helpful resources in your area.

• Help your children understand that they are not responsible for problems adults experience and that adult behavior while under the influence of ATOD does not necessarily reflect true attitudes. Learn what you can do to help buffer stress for children in this situation and reduce their risk of developing serious problems in their own lives.

• Help children and adolescents learn the health, safety, and legal consequences of using ATOD; be sure they understand that alcohol and tobacco are drugs and are as dangerous as illegal drugs.

• Model low-risk alcohol use and ask others in your community to do so as well. Be a responsible host.

• Model and encourage good health practices: Serve balanced and nutritious meals at regular times, and plan ATOD-free family activities. Encourage individual expression and creativity and respect for nature and the human spirit.

• Be sure your children have easy access to a wide range of appealing, ATOD-free activities and safe, monitored areas where they can gather.

• Discuss alcohol and tobacco advertising with your children. Ask what they think about these messages, whether they understand their purpose, and whether they recognize that these messages do not teach the harmful effects of using these products.

  

• Support proposed public policy changes likely to make your community, your State, and the country a safer and healthier environment. For instance, some communities are placing restrictions on unsupervised cigarette machines. Elsewhere, alcohol sponsorship of athletic events, rock concerts, and community festivals is under scrutiny.

• Be a positive role model. Do not engage in any illegal, unhealthy, or dangerous ATOD use; provide an example consistent with your messages to youth.

• Provide lots of love, support, and encouragement; help your child learn to do something well.

Where to Find Help

National Hotlines

If you or someone you know has a problem with alcohol or other drugs, call these hotlines for free, confidential help.

The Center for Substance Abuse Treatment’s (CSAT) Drug Information, Treatment, and Referral Hotline:

Publications

The following list of readings can be ordered for free by calling the National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information at 1-800-729-6686:

Ask for the telephone number of your State clearinghouse -- the RADAR Network -- from the National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information.

More information about alcohol and other drug abuse can be ordered for a fee from these publishers:

Also check your local library or bookstore.

Local Resources

Look in your local telephone book for these numbers:

Alcoholics Anonymous Alateen (for children of the user) Al-Anon (for family members and friends) Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACOAs) Narcotics Anonymous Nar-Anon (for family members and friends)

Drug Treatment Center Cancer Society Lung Association County or State Addiction or Mental Health Agency County/Victim/Mental Health Hotline Other