Personal Safety and Substance Abuse
Helping young people protect themselves from substance abuse
Personal safety can be affected in various ways by substance abuse.
Many adults are concerned about the numbers of young people whose
lives are damaged or cut short by substance abuse. Substance abuse is
a form of violence to oneself and potentially to others. As with all
areas of personal safety, it is important to accept that nothing works
all the time. Substance abuse is a difficult complex problem. The
following overview uses KIDPOWER’s approach to teaching
self-protection skills to suggest some possibilities for adults who
want to help.
UNDERSTAND WHY SUBSTANCE ABUSE EXISTS
Throughout recorded history, people have sought to change the way
they feel or perceive the world by taking potentially dangerous
substances into their bodies by swallowing them, inhaling them, or
absorbing them through their skin. People have done this with alcohol,
legal and illegal drugs, glue, mushrooms, tobacco, and gasoline, to
name just some substances.
People both use and misuse substances because they are curious,
lonely, looking for enlightenment, bored, wanting to be accepted by
their peers, wanting to copy their elders, seeking stress reduction,
enjoy the feeling of being high, trying to relax, or seeking relief
from emotional or physical pain.
BE BLUNT ABOUT THE PROBLEM
Young people need to understand that what changes using a substance
from USE to ABUSE is when this behavior becomes destructive to
themselves or others. You can be direct about personal safety
consequences by saying something like, "Reckless driving because
your mind is not fully aware can kill or injure people. Having poor
judgment because your mind and feelings are altered can put you at
greater risk of being assaulted, of being provoked into getting into a
fight, of making poor decisions about sexual behavior, or of having
accidents. Doing something illegal can land you in jail or juvenile
hall, which is a miserable place to be. Being with other people who
are breaking the law can make you more vulnerable to violence. Some
substances are poisonous and can damage your body or destroy your
mind. Overdosing on some substances can cause you to become
permanently injured or killed."
RECOGNIZE ADDICTIVE BEHAVIOR
Young people need to understand what addictions are, how to
recognize addictive behavior in oneself or others, and how to get
help. Some behaviors and substances are addictive, which means that
someone can easily become emotionally or physically dependent on them.
This can make it very hard to stop using these substances or to stop
repeating this addictive behavior once you start, even if you really
want to. Some people are much more vulnerable to becoming addicted
than others which means that, just because someone else has no problem
stopping, does not tell you whether or not you are likely to have a
problem.
BE REALISTIC
Demonizing substance abuse (or the people who use drugs or alcohol)
is not effective. Those young people who are most at risk will not
believe you unless what you say sounds factual and balanced. Access to
potentially dangerous substances and to people abusing them can be
anywhere—in any home, school, neighborhood, or community with groups
of any income, race, or culture.
Lots of adults model abusing substances and being dependent on
other self-destructive, addictive behaviors that affect their personal
safety and well-being. Our society is very inconsistent about what is
and is not socially acceptable or against the law.
INITIATE CONVERSATIONS EVEN IF YOUNG PEOPLE ARE RESISTANT
Many experts believe that discussions on this issue are a major
factor in prevention. Even if they roll their eyeballs, make sarcastic
remarks and tell you that the subject bores them to tears, the young
people in your life really do care about what you think and want your
respect. Instead of getting sidetracked or upset with what looks like
disrespectful behavior, see this as a sign of discomfort. In the
interest of their personal safety, stick with your intention with
humor and compassion.
Remember that boys are more likely to feel comfortable with
conversations where you are sitting shoulder-to-shoulder. This means
they won't be looking at you, because you will be facing in the same
direction. Girls are more likely to be comfortable talking
face-to-face. No matter how you do it, be clear, respectful and
persistent about expressing your concerns and your values.
MAKE SUBSTANCE ABUSE AND OTHER DANGEROUS BEHAVIOR UNFASHIONABLE
AND AGAINST THE RULES
Schools and youth groups need to communicate a consistent, strong
personal safety and community safety message that smoking, underage
drinking, reckless behavior, violence, bullying, and drug abuse are
all NOT cool and NOT acceptable. Expose young people to school
leaders, sports stars and entertainers who they are likely to see as
fashionable role models and have them give the message for you. Choose
these leaders carefully according to their behavior as well as their
message to help young people identify with role models who reinforce
your goal. Have realistic, fair consequences and enforce them
consistently.
ACCEPT THAT ADDICTIONS NEED TREATMENT, NOT BLAME
The shame and blame that go with addictive behavior make it harder
to seek treatment and support. This makes it harder for people
coping with addiction to improve their personal safety and
well-being. Just as some people are vulnerable to allergies or
heart disease, some people are more vulnerable to becoming addicted.
SET A GOOD EXAMPLE
Are you misusing substances, even legal ones? Are you demonstrating
other kinds of addictive behavior such as being a workaholic or a
compulsive gambler? Are you doing unethical things because “everybody
does it”? Do you show that you are unable to stop yourself from
losing control? Are you justifying self-destructive behavior by saying
“I can’t help myself”? Are you engaging in other behaviors that
jeopardize your personal safety? If so, you will have difficulty
persuading young people to do differently than they see you doing.
Set a good example to the young people in your life by stopping
self-destructive, addictive behavior. If you cannot do this on your
own, model for the young people watching you your own commitment to
self care and personal safety by going to a counselor, joining a
support group, considering a twelve-step program, etc. Keep reaching
out until you get the help you need.
MAKE SURE YOUNG PEOPLE KNOW YOU CARE
According to many experts, having good relationships with concerned
adults is a major factor in preventing substance abuse. During their
teenaged years, young people might act irritated or as if they don’t
want to be bothered by the adults around them. Insist on
spending time with them anyway.
Try to find activities that both of you enjoy. Do your best to
encourage young people to talk to you about their concerns by
listening without judgment or lectures, helping them to find their own
solutions.
MAKE SURE YOUNG PEOPLE HAVE GOOD BOUNDARY-SETTING SKILLS
Telling someone, “Just say no,” is not very helpful. Knowing
what you are supposed to do is not the same as actually being able to
do it.
Young people need the opportunity to develop personal safety skills
such as assessing a situation and resisting pressure from others. In
real life, people are more likely to do what they've practiced, so try
acting out role-plays together. Ask kids for their help so you can set
up situations and dialogue that seem realistic to them. Have them take
on the role of being the person who pressures. Young people often need
coaching about how to say, "No" and walk away, without
losing face in front of their friends.
If you can’t get kids to practice with you, insist that they have
this opportunity with another adult you trust. Programs like KIDPOWER
and TEENPOWER can help young people learn and practice personal safety
skills such as how to set appropriate boundaries with themselves and
with others. Young people can also learn to recognize and take the
power out of emotional triggers that often make it hard to stick to
their boundaries.
EMPOWER YOUNG PEOPLE BY INVOLVING THEM IN SOLVING THE PROBLEM.
Ask young people for their ideas. Help them organize activities
that provide alternatives and education.
STAY OUT OF DENIAL
Don’t ignore symptoms or problems. If something concerns you,
speak up. Intervene quickly if you see signs of substance abuse or
other destructive behavior that can affect personal safety and
well-being. Be persistent about finding solutions.
WORK TOGETHER WITH OTHER CONCERNED PEOPLE
Explore the pros and cons of resources offered by organizations and
groups in your area. Remember that you are not alone in your concerns.
SEEK COUNSELING OR OTHER TREATMENT SOONER RATHER THAN LATER IF
THERE IS A PROBLEM
Dealing with addictions is not simply a matter of willpower. If you
suspect or know that a young person has a problem, talk to as many
people as you can find to see what kinds of support are available.
HONOR YOURSELF EVEN IF THINGS GO WRONG
Most people look back with regret at things they wish they had
known to do differently. No matter how much you care about a young
person, no matter how much you tried to do the best you could to take
care of her or him, and no matter how good a person that individual
is, she or he can still end up being damaged by substance abuse.
Instead of beating yourself up, you can set a terrific example to
young people by acting as if you believe that one does not have to be
perfect to be a good person. Honor yourself for being loving and
courageous and for looking for help now.
REMEMEMBER KIDPOWER'S UNDERLYING PRINCIPLE: SAFETY AND SELF
ESTEEM ARE MORE IMPORTANT THAN ANYONE'S EMBARRASSMENT, INCONVENIENCE,
OR OFFENSE.
You may need to push past your own embarrassment or awkwardness.
You might get offended by the response you get from young people when
you reach out to them. Go beyond those obstacles. Stay focused and
calm. Let children know that you won’t overreact to any admissions
that they might make about already using substances.
Personal safety for young people needs adult support. The
chances are much better that kids will talk to you if you can be calm
and compassionate in your words and action as you deal with the
subject. Because some issues might be just too hard to talk about with
immediate family members, make sure young people have another safe
adult who they can also go to for help.
©
Copyright 2004. All rights reserved.
A publication of KIDPOWER TEENPOWER FULLPOWER International
www.kidpower.org
831-426-4407
Permission to reproduce granted with copyright notice and contact
information
at beginning and end of each article used.
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