Talk To Your Teenagers
According to a national study by the Partnership for a Drug-Free America (PDFA), virtually all parents in
America (98 percent) say they've talked with their children about drugs; however, only 27 percent of teens
(roughly one in four) say they're learning a lot at home about the risks of drugs.  Please use any teachable
moment to talk to your children about illegal drug use and make your family values known.  
These are some tips to help increase communication with your teenagers.  Dr. Rahe believes it is important
to talk to your teenagers because teens believe they have important things to say.  Genuinely listening to
their views can help raise your children’s self-esteem and increase their confidence.  When talking to your
children make it clear that you do not want your children to use drugs.  Talk about the dangers of alcohol and
drug abuse often.  Enforce rules in your home.  Role-play standing up to peers and help your children make
excuses to use in various situations instead of giving into peer pressure.  Call Dr. Sandra Rahe, LIMHP at
402-299-3018 and schedule an appointment to help increase family communication.
                     Marijuana Myths
Do you know the facts about marijuana?  Here are some common myths from the www.antidrug.com
website.
MYTH: Marijuana is harmless.
FACT: Marijuana is the most widely used illegal drug among youth today and is more potent than ever.
Marijuana use can lead to a host of significant health, social, learning, and behavioral problems at a crucial
time in a young person's development. Getting high also impairs judgment, which can lead to risky decision
making on issues like sex, criminal activity, or riding with someone who is under the influence of drugs or
alcohol. According to the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA)  at Columbia
University, teens who use drugs are five times more likely to have sex than teens who do not use drugs.
Getting high also contributes to general apathy, irresponsible behavior, and risky choices.
MYTH: You can't get addicted to marijuana.
FACT: Don’t be fooled by popular beliefs. Kids can get hooked on pot. Research shows that marijuana use
can lead to addiction. Each year, more kids enter treatment with a primary diagnosis of marijuana
dependence than for all other illegal drugs combined.
MYTH: There's not much parents can do to stop their kids from "experimenting" with marijuana.
FACT: Most parents are surprised to learn that they are the most powerful influence on their children when it
comes to drugs. But, it's true, so this message needs to start with parents. Kids need to hear how risky
marijuana use can be. They need to know how damaging it can be to their lives. And they need to begin by
listening to someone they trust. By staying involved, knowing what their kids are doing, and setting limits with
clear rules and consequences, parents can keep their kids drug-free.
MYTH: There are no long-term consequences to marijuana use.
FACT: Research shows that kids who smoke marijuana engage in risky behavior that can jeopardize their
futures, like having sex, getting in trouble with the law, or losing scholarship money. Marijuana can also hurt
academic achievement and puts kids at risk for depression and anxiety.  

Dr. Sandra Rahe, LIMHP can help with these issues.     
   
          
                                           Call 402-299-3018
         16707 Q Street  Suite 2J  Omaha, Nebraska  68135
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