Hey Parents: Summer's Here

School’s out for summer! We know the kids are stoked!  Summer means graduation parties, hanging out with friends, and a whole lot of free time.

As parents, we worry about what our teens are doing, kids being kids or high risk dangerous behavior like jumping into the pool from the roof  (teens perspective: awesome; might be on TOSH.0). For some, the teenage years, especially during the summer months, is the time for experimentation with drugs and alcohol. 

Adults know the consequences (risky sexual behavior, car accidents, fights and higher risk for suicide) and it seems like the dangers are more severe today than 20-30 years ago.  

The truth is the dangers are real and more severe. Heroin is available in the Fox Cities, Green Bay, Oshkosh and Fond du Lac, moving north from Milwaukee and Chicago. It is here and it is cheap. In Winnebago County, we’ve seen a dramatic rise in overdose deaths in the last 2 years related to prescription drugs and heroin. While law enforcement is doing everything they can about heroin use, education and prevention are the primary tools to effectively avoid addiction.

Prescription drug abuse is not only a national epidemic, but also a local problem with serious consequences. Often when teens use prescription drugs to get high they also combine it with other substances like alcohol. These combinations can be fatal. Additionally, experts in the field of substance abuse are finding that teens who try prescription drugs such as Oxycodone will be more apt to try heroin. Both are highly addictive opiates.

Marijuana is stronger today than it was in the 1970-1980s. Parents, be careful if you think it is not addictive or less dangerous than other drugs. It is a psychotropic drug that can permanently alter a teenage brain. A lot of kids don’t think marijuana is harmful, and many parents think it is not as harmful as other drugs out there. Educate yourself with the latest research and check your assumptions.

Alcohol remains highly available and more attractive than ever. Brands like Four Loko, Joose, and Blast are sweetened alcoholic beverages tailored to sweeter palettes of youth. These drinks have approximately 4 servings of alcohol in one 24 ounce can. They come in fruity flavors such as watermelon, kiwi strawberry and fruit punch. Teens are able to drink this like its juice or Kool-Aid, and can consume several cans before the effects of intoxication set in. Two 24 oz cans can be the equivalent of having 8 shots of alcohol!

As summer begins, consider strategies to prevent your kids from drinking or using drugs.

·         Toss out left over liquor bottles. Teens know what you use and what’s sitting around. They are much more likely to experiment with the liquor you are least likely to notice.

·         Use the DrugDrop boxes in Winnebago County to dispose of unused prescription medications to keep them out of the hands of your kids. DrugDrop Boxes are located at Police Departments in Oshkosh, Neenah, and the Town of Menasha.

·         A summer job is NOT a barrier to experimentation; in fact, it can be a gateway to risky behaviors when summer employment results in relationships between your teen and older, legal drinking-age co-workers. Talk to your teen about work relationships, new friends and your expectations of them while working this summer, including curfews and work hours.

·         Do not serve alcohol to your teenager or their friends. The idea that it is safer to have them drink at home is a myth. No amount of alcohol is safe for the developing teenage brain. Hosting a party where kids turn in their keys so they don’t drive is sending mixed messages that it is ok to drink as long as they don’t drive. It is illegal to serve alcohol to minors; adults know this and so do teens.

·         Transitions are difficult times. If your son/daughter is heading to college in the fall, talk to them about the dangers of alcohol and drugs. Many schools are trying to curb underage drinking, including strict consequences if a student is caught. Student aid could be eliminated if caught for underage drinking. Additionally, extracurricular activities usually have guidelines restricting underage drinking and drug testing.

·         Parents: Talk to your kids openly and honestly about the dangers of drinking and trying drugs. Educate yourself about drugs and alcohol including prescription drugs, and marijuana. Even if you used drugs and alcohol during your teen years don’t let that stop you from talking to your kids. Be honest and let them know how risky it was.  It is good parenting to talk to your kids about the dangers about underage drinking and drugs.

Resources

·         National Institute on Drug Abuse: (http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/marijuana)

·         SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration):  http://samhsa.gov/underagedrinking/

·          re:TH!NK Winnebago’s Healthy Living Partnership: http://www.rethinkwinnebago.org/Resources/for-parents.html

·         Partnership for Drugfree Americahttp://teenbrain.drugfree.org/science/index.html

Court Tower Apartments go Smoke-free!

The Court Tower apartments in Oshkosh are officially smoke-free and now have a month of clear air under their belt! Congrats Court Tower!

Many property management companies across the state are implementing smoke-free policies in their multi-family buildings. A smoke-free policy makes good business sense as it saves money on cleaning costs, reduces the risk of fires and provides a desired amenity to keep new and current tenants happy. These policies not only save money but help to ensure a safe, healthy environment for all residents by eliminating secondhand smoke. There is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke and within multi-unit dwellings up to 60% of air is exchanged between units.

Smoke-free housing is about saving property managers money and hassle. It's about giving residents healthier, safer places to live. Seventy-two percent of Wisconsin residents who keep their units smoke-free (but live in buildings that allow smoking) would prefer a smoke-free building.

Clear Gains is Wisconsin’s smoke-free housing initiative and we're looking to help property owners voluntarily initiate smoke-free policies in their properties.

Are you an owner or resident of an apartment building and looking to make the switch? Learn more about the benefits of going smoke-free at http://wismokefreehousing.com for resources. If you need any information or if you have questions send them to acarpenter@co.winnebago.wi.us.