Preventing Youth Drug and Alcohol Use

Do you see any of these behaviors in a young person you love?

Mood changes
Difficulty Concentrating
Unexplained weight loss or gain
Withdrawal from family, friends, and/or activities
Change in peer relationships
Unexplained physical injuries
Self-harm
Lingering sadness/depression
Talk of suicide
Defiant behavior at home and school
Aggressiveness/physical altercations
Lying
Drop in grades
Unexplained need for money
Experimentation with drugs and alcohol

Even if you know the red flags, it can be difficult to distinguish signs of a problem from normal childhood behavior. For more information, contact Clearfield-Jefferson Drug and Alcohol Commission at 814-371-9002.

The best prevention starts at home! Talk to your child about the dangers of drugs and alcohol, set clear boundaries and rules regarding drug/alcohol use, and encourage your child to always come to you with questions or concerns. The Clearfield-Jefferson Drug and Alcohol Commission has resources for parents and family members to help guide these important conversations. Call CJDAC at 814-371-9002 for more information.

For more information on Preventing Youth Drug and Alcohol Use, please visit: https://www.ddap.pa.gov/Prevention/Pages/Prevention-Resources-for-Parents.aspx