K-12 Educators/Parent Resources
Download Curriculum Outline and Lesson Plans for Educators and Parents!
Download the National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week Mindfulness video or stream it below.
WHAT ARE ACES?
What every parent and educator should know.
Adverse Childhood experiences (ACEs) are potentially traumatic events in a child's life that can have negative and lasting effects on health and well-being. People who have experienced ACEs often exhibit self-destructive behavior, such as substance use and more, well into adulthood. You can download more information including THE ACES QUIZ here.
How to talk to your kids about drugs and alcohol.
Some good reading before you approach your child about drugs and alcohol:
Before you begin your conversation, pick a comfortable place to talk where there are no distractions and you aren’t likely to be interrupted. Sharing a meal or snack together is the perfect time to have a heart-to-heart with your teen. And put the phones and tablets away. There are a lot of questions here so just pick a few and see where the conversation goes. Smile often and make eye contact. Let your child know that your utmost concern is about their safety and welfare. And finally, if you and your child need more evidence-based information when discussing these topics, visit the above websites together and learn more – or visit the CADA website at cadanwla.org or our CADA School website at cadaschool.com.
Have you studied the effects of alcohol and other drugs in school?
Tell me what you’re learning about addiction.
I want to sit down with you and talk honestly about alcohol and other drug use.
You know that [family member] is in addiction recovery [or has a drug problem or is an alcoholic]. Have you ever talked with them about their experiences?
You know addiction runs in our family. Let’s talk about why using chemicals—including alcohol—can be especially risky for you. Addiction is a disease handed down through families. Addiction is also connected to childhood trauma, such as being raised by an adult with a drug or alcohol problem or experiencing abuse or neglect.
Do you ever use alcohol or other drugs?
Do you ever smoke cigarettes? Marijuana? Do you vape?
Have you ever heard of synthetic marijuana? Kratom? Ecstasy? Heroin? Pink? LSD? Rohypnol?
Do you understand why some people seem to need to use drugs to get out of emotional pain?
Do you understand why pain medication can be really dangerous if you take it when you’re not supposed to?
Have you ever heard of Fentanyl, suboxone, or OxyContin?
a. If so, tell me what you’ve learned about them.
b. Did you know how deadly those drugs are?
c. I was shocked to find out how many teens even in our state are overdosing on Fentanyl.
d. The reason is that even a tiny amount of Fentanyl is over 40 times stronger than other typical drugs and many other drugs including weed are being laced with Fentanyl. Many people who’ve overdosed never even knew they had taken Fentanyl.Do you have any friends who are using drugs or alcohol?
Do you have any friends who you’re worried about, that you think might need help?What do you wish I knew about substance abuse?
We need to talk about the people who sell drugs to kids.
We now know childhood trauma can result in addiction. What’s the worst thing that’s ever happened to you? I’ll believe whatever you tell me, and I’ll never love you any less.
Do you know that if you get into any trouble, that you can come and talk to me about it?
Do you know that if you have a friend who needs help, you can talk to me about it?
When you look in the mirror, do you like the person you see?
What are your dreams for your life?
Do you understand what I mean when I say that I’ll never ask your permission to love you?
Do you understand what I mean when I say that I’ll never ask your permission to protect you as long as I have to?
Do you know I love you?
What to do if your parent is using drugs.
Open up to someone. Talk to a good friend. Also talk to an adult you trust. For example, a teacher, doctor, therapist, or relative. Let them know what you're going through. It can be a relief to share what it's like for you. And they may be able to help you in other ways.
Know that it's not your fault. Some people blame themselves for their parent's substance use. They may think about times when a parent was angry or blamed them. They may wonder if they caused a parent to drink or use drugs. But kids can't cause a parent's substance problem.
Know and name your emotions. Don't bury your feelings or pretend that everything's OK. Notice how a parent's substance problem makes you feel. It's OK to feel the way you do. Use words (and not harmful actions) to express how you feel and why.
Find a support group. Find a group like Al-Anon/Alateen (they have a 24-hour hotline at 1-800-344-2666) or go online for help. Join a support group. Talking with others who are going through the same thing can help you cope.
Find a safe place. Do you avoid home as much as possible? Are you thinking about running away? If you feel you're not safe at home, you can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at (800) 799-SAFE. If you think you or another family member could be in danger, call 911.
Build good habits. Some people learn not to speak up or show emotion. They worry it may trigger a parent's drinking or substance use. Habits like these may help you survive tough times at home. But they may not work in other parts of your life. Being able to speak up, say how you feel, and show emotion helps you have good relationships in the future. Sometimes people need therapy to build good habits they were not able to learn living with an alcoholic or addicted parent.
Stop the cycle. People who have parents with substance use problems are at higher risk of having these problems too. A support group or therapy can help you learn how to avoid this risk.
