LOVING TO GET HIGH SYNDROME

Joseph A. Califano, Jr. Founder and Chair of The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University is on a book tour promoting his new book for parents, How to Raise a Drug-Free Kid, The Straight Dope For Parents. I heard him speak last evening in Edina Minnesota, his book is a great resource for parents raising kids who love to get high. Here’s the link to his website. http://www.straightdopeforparents.org/

For the next nine months, your teen will spend the biggest portion of their time in school. If they happen to be a kid who “loves to get high” this time is, unfortunately, not wasted. They will be making new friends, discovering new drugs and making a huge effort to keep all of this out of your sight.

It’s up to us as parents to stay alert to the subtle signs and symptoms of this secretive love relationship. [grades dropping, change in appearance, secrecy, skipping school, dropping out of sports].

It’s important to talk to people at School. Your son or daughter’s Guidance Counselors, Assistant Principals, coaches and teachers, may be aware of some things that will help you figure out what’s going on.

If you are interested in talking to me about any of your concerns, please e-mail me at coacht@usinternet.com