Section 17 4 Choosing to Be Drug Free

Section 17. 4 Choosing to Be Drug Free Objectives Identify three treatment options for people who abuse drugs. Name three steps you can take to stay drug free. Slide 1 of 19

Section 17. 4 Choosing to Be Drug Free Dear Advice Line, My friend Greg tried methamphetamine at a party a few months ago. Soon he started doing it regularly. He gets defensive and aggressive when I ask him if he needs help. I’m scared to talk to him anymore, but I want to help. What advice would you give Greg’s friend? How can she help Greg? Slide 2 of 19

Section 17. 4 Choosing to Be Drug Free Treating Drug Abuse • Before a person can be helped, the person needs to acknowledge that he or she has a drug problem. • The next step would be for the person to explore possible treatment options. Slide 3 of 19

Section 17. 4 Choosing to Be Drug Free Acknowledge the Problem Many abusers deny their behavior; others deny the underlying problems that led them to drug abuse. Signs of Possible Drug Abuse Slide 4 of 19

Section 17. 4 Choosing to Be Drug Free Explore Treatment Options • Treatment options for drug abusers include • detoxification • therapeutic communities • supervised medication • Programs exist for family members trying to understand their loved one’s drug problem. • Some drug treatment programs are available at little or no cost at community hospitals, school and government programs. Slide 5 of 19

Section 17. 4 Choosing to Be Drug Free Detoxification • A person who enters a detoxification program undergoes gradual but complete withdrawal from the abused drug under medical supervision. • Detoxification programs include counseling to help people deal with their abuse and cope with the underlying problems. • Detoxification can require close medical supervision because some withdrawal symptoms can be painful and/or dangerous. Slide 6 of 19

Section 17. 4 Choosing to Be Drug Free Therapeutic Community • A therapeutic community (thehr uh PYOO tik) is a residential treatment center where former drug abusers live together and learn to adjust to drug-free lives. • Therapeutic communities provide both medical care and counseling. Slide 7 of 19

Section 17. 4 Choosing to Be Drug Free Supervised Medication • A third treatment option involves replacing the abused drug with a drug that produces some of the same effects, without the “high. ” • Because methadone and other drug replacements can cause dependency, a trained professional must carefully monitor treatment and slowly lower the dosage. • The objective of this method is to help lower or prevent severe withdrawal symptoms. Slide 8 of 19

Section 17. 4 Choosing to Be Drug Free Staying Drug Free Practicing refusal skills, seeking help when you need it, and getting involved in drug-free activities can help you stay away from drugs. Slide 9 of 19

Section 17. 4 Choosing to Be Drug Free Refusing Drugs • To be effective, be sure to clearly state your personal reasons for not wanting to take drugs. • “No thanks — I want to keep a clear head. ” • “I don’t want to become addicted. ” • “I don’t do drugs. ” • If the person offering you drugs continues to pressure you, take a definite action and remove yourself from the situation. Slide 10 of 19

Section 17. 4 Choosing to Be Drug Free Seeking Help • If you decide that the stresses and problems in your life are too much to manage, find someone to talk to. • parents • teachers • friends • siblings • school counselors • school nurses • members of the clergy • A second option is to call a national drug-abuse hotline. Slide 11 of 19

Section 17. 4 Choosing to Be Drug Free Alternatives to Drugs • Engage in physical activity. Physical activity boosts your mood and relieves the negative effects of stress. • Volunteer. Helping other people can give you a good feeling about yourself, too. • Join a youth group. Participating in a youth group can give you a sense of belonging and a connection to others. Slide 12 of 19

Section 17. 4 Choosing to Be Drug Free Vocabulary therapeutic community A residential treatment center where former drug abusers live together and learn to adjust to drugfree lives. Slide 13 of 19

Section 17. 4 Choosing to Be Drug Free End of Section 17. 4 Click on this slide to end this presentation. Slide 14 of 19