drugs/substance abuse
Drug Induced Homicide: A person who violates Section 401 of the Illinois Controlled Substances Act or Section 55 of the Methamphetamine Control and
Community Protection Act by unlawfully delivering a controlled substance to another, and any person’s death is caused by the injection, inhalation, absorption,
ingestion of any amount of that controlled substance, commits the offense of drug-induced homicide [720 ILCS 5/9-3.3].
Drug Asset Forfeiture Act: Legislative Declaration: The General Assembly finds that the civil forfeiture of property which is used, or intended to be used in, is
attributable to or facilitates the manufacture, sale, transportation, distribution, possession or use of substances in certain violations of the Illinois Controlled
Substances Act, the Cannabis Control Act, or the Methamphetamine Control and Community Protection Act will have a significant beneficial effect in deterring
the rising incidence of the abuse and trafficking of such substances within this state [725 ILCS 150/2].
Prevention Ideas for Parents
The key to reduce the risk of substance abuse is PREVENTIVE PARENTING. Sit down together and discuss your expectations. Explain that these behaviors are
not allowed, why they are not allowed, and follow through with consequences. Your child/adolescent needs this external control from you at a time when his/
her own internal controls are not developed. Studies also show that the likelihood of teens using drugs decreases when they know usage would upset their
parents.
• Don’t control, contribute. Give your teen positive alternatives for having a good time without alcohol or other drugs.
• Do things with your child, but not all the time. They need their space too.
• Talk to other parents and find out their rules. It is helpful to have support when making decisions, but make sure YOUR teens know YOUR rules.
• Get to know people and organizations in your community who can be used as resources for your family.
• Take an interest in your teens’ friends. The biggest indicator of whether adolescents will drink is their group of friends.
• Be interested in social events your teen attends, as well as their academic and athletic events. It is helpful to know where your child is and who is
with them.
• Maintain communication with your children; it is the key. Concentrate more on discussion and less on establishing rules (but make sure the rules are
established and known).
• Do not deny that your teen could be using alcohol or other drugs. If you suspect he/she is a user, get help fast.
• Model appropriate behavior. Remember, what parents do counts; parents are a child’s most important influence.
Other Prevention Tips
These are more suggestions on ways to discuss drug prevention with your teen.
PREVENTION BEGINS WITH:
• Understanding - “I realize you are under a lot of pressure from friends to use drugs.”
• Firmness - “As your parent, I cannot allow you to engage in harmful activities.”
• Support - “I’ll help you find a way to say ‘no’ to drugs.”
• Self-examination - “Are my own alcohol and drug consumption habits exerting a bad influence on my child?”
PREVENTION DOES NOT BEGIN WITH:
• Sarcasm - “Do you think I don’t know what you’re doing?”
• Accusations - “You’re lying!!”
• Stigmatizing - “You’re a terrible person.”
THE FIVE BASIC A’S OF PREVENTION:
• Be Aware of their attitudes.
• Be Alert to their environments.
• Be Around their activities.
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community outreach - Drugs/Substance Abuse
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Be Assertive in your parenting.
Be Awake when they come home.