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DRUG AWARENESS Families 1n crisis Conflict resolution will determine outcome 8 - THE PORT PERRY STAR, Tuesday, September 26, 1995. OL OLIVER 1. One drink makes you a better driver. True or False? 2. If you have a drink to relax before a party, you'll be Ee a I EE a i er a Ei Ee I A EE a a i I I i aE a i ey a a so cscs iin pill i SEE assis inn SERS pian more sociable. True or False? . Walking a straight line or closing your eyes and touching your nose with your index finger is a reliable test of ability to drive after drinking. True or False? All families have con- flict and undergo periods of distress, particularly during stage of change. A substance abuse prob- lem is often a symptom of other issues within the family which are not being acknowledged or resolved. When relationships in families aie in conflict, if the conflict 1s unresolved, an atmosphere of chronic tension evclves over time. The techniques parents use to discipline their ado- lescents and the goals par- ents wish to achieve are of- ten reflected in their parenting styles. Parents all strive to produce hap- py, responsible children. However, differences in parenting styles and their children's responses are often based upon how par- ents themselves were raised, and parental be- liefs regarding discipline practices. Overly permis- sive, Inconsistent, or au- thoritative (meaning rigid and controlling) parenting styles increase the risk of substance abuse in adoles- cents. When parents discover their adolescents are abusing substances, they often react in an ever- increasing authoritarian CANNABIS USE BY ADULTS SURVEYED IN CANDA Where do you fit in? IAAI LONI ID II Never Used <I Ever Used (01 0] 1324 D900 A BAY 3) LY Current Users manner. In order to pro- tect their youth from the harm of substances and to stop the abuse. The belief 1s often, "if my child will not stop taking drugs and 1s obviously out of control, I'll make him stop by tak- ing control and limit his freedom." While this appears to be the most natural and logi- cal response, it often pro- vokes a power struggle be- tween the parent and adolescent, and substance abuse may continue or in- crease. The adolescent may respond with resent- ment, revenge or angry withdrawal, and continue to share substances (Nel- son, 1987). Thus they may try to get even; avoid get- ting caught, or temporari- ly conform out of fear. If a power struggle de- velops, in order for par- ents to "win," their chil- dren are made to be losers (Nelson, 1987). When parents attempt to control their children, they are often inadver- tently giving their chil- dren the message that they cannot handle their own problems and their parents will take care of them. When parents try to solve their children's prob- lems and reduce the conse- quences of the problems, they are rescuing their children. Their children are able to avoid assuming responsibility for their be- havior and avoid handling the resulting consequenc- es. Barbara Colorosso (1989) describes three typ- ical parenting styles: the brick wall; the jellyfish; and the backbone. The brick wall style handles conflict through punish- ment, fear, and rejection. The child perceives love as conditional and based upon good or bad behavior. The jellyfish style handles conflict by taking control through rescuing the child. Children learn they do not have to take respon- sibility for their actions, as their parents will assume this. The backbone style handles conflict with disci- pline, support, and en- couragement while allow- ing their children to assume responsibility for resolving their conflict. DRINK CHART 1-1/2 oz (43 mL) Whiskey, Rum etc. _ ONE DRINK 50z (142 mL) Table Wine Beer 12 0z (341 mL) Crossing The Line. Entering a new school year can bring new challenges and friendships as well as new opportunities to get involved with alcohol and drugs. And because you'll want to fit in, these activities may seem like a good idea at the time. But if you take a look down the road, you'll see that substance abuse can also lead to depression, scholastic failing, psychological or physical dependence, health and emotional problems and even arrest. And there's nothing cool about that. If one of these "opportunities" should come your way, take the time to stop...look...and listen...to your own good judgement! SEARS . 985-2225