Red Ribbon Week, Helping Family Say ‘No to Drugs’
Austin, Texas (PRWEB) October 21, 2007
Red Ribbon Week is celebrated the last week of October every year. According to the National Family Partnership, “It is an ideal way for people and communities to unite and take a visible stand against drugs,” October 23-31st. People do this by wearing a red ribbon. This also sets an example to our youth that drug and alcohol addiction is not the proper solution to life. And with an estimated 23 million Americans suffering from addiction there is no time like the present to “say no to drugs.”
Tips For Parents:
As part of Red Ribbon Week, Narconon Arrowhead wants to help parents by issuing 7 tips on what to look for in determining of their children are taking drugs:
1 – Drop in school attendance or academic performance
2 – Lack of interest in personal appearance
3 – Isolation from family, friends, or interest
4 – Sudden change in friends
5 – Sudden change in eating / sleeping habits
6 – Smell of substance on them
7 – Look at their eyes as they can be red, glassy, unusually large or small pupils
“The main thing to remember is,” stated Natalie Fraser, Director of Public Promotion at Narconon Arrowhead, “don’t jump to conclusions as there can be other reasons for some of these symptoms. Use your judgment: if you think your child is using drugs, ask them about it. If you’re not sure if your child is being honest, you may need to gather more information and inspect in order to find out. It’s okay to ask for help or advice from a professional.”
Parents, what to do if you discover your child or children are taking drugs:
First, find out why your child started taking drugs and help them resolve the reason why they stated taking them in the first place.
Second, effectively show him or her how drugs are harmful and how they affect a person in the short-term and the future.
Third and perhaps most importantly, don’t ignore it. Care and take the time to find out why they started and resolve the problem. It’s not okay to write it off as “just a phase.” The vast majority of the 23 million people in need of drug rehabilitation thought they’d be addicted when they started using drugs.
Fourth: Hold your children accountable and responsible for their actions.
Fifth: Get your children involved with community service; this will help teach them responsibility and helping others to feel good about themselves.
Finally, if your family member is addicted or needs professional help, then call Narconon Arrowhead. We provide free addiction counseling, free assessments, and free local referrals to your community.
Effective Drug Rehab:
The Narconon program was founded in 1966 by William Benitez in Arizona State Prison, and is based on the humanitarian works of L. Ron Hubbard. In more than 120 centers around the world, Narconon programs restore drug abusers and addicts to a clean and sober lifestyle.
For a free information pack including a copy of the 36-page booklet “Healing Addicted Lives” and a DVD video presentation, call 1-888-585-0888 or visit their web site and watch the video at www.EffectiveDrugRehab.com.
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