Frequently Asked Questions
- What is prevention?
- Why is prevention of ATOD problems
important?
- What are the signs & symptoms
of drug abuse (physical signs)?
- What do I look for if I think my
adolescent son or daughter is using chemicals to get high?
- What is the primary mind altering
substance found in marijuana?
- Is Nicotine really addicting?
- How much alcohol can the average person
drink without causing an overdose?
- Are Steroids really harmful?
- What are some of the signs to look
for if I think my child is abusing inhalants?
- What kind of chemicals are used for
sniffing, or huffing as some call it?
- If I need help for a substance abuse
problem, do I have to tell my parents?
- If a parent experiences uncontrolled
drinking does that mean that their offspring will drink
uncontrollably too?
- If I need help with a drug or alcohol
problem where do I turn?
- Where can I get help even though
I have no insurance?
- DID YOU KNOW? (additional facts)
- What is prevention?
Prevention is the sum of outreach efforts to ensure healthy,
safe, and productive lives for all Americans. As applied
to alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs (ATOD), prevention
means keeping the many problems related to the use and abuse
of these substances from occurring.
Successful ATOD problem prevention means that underage youth,
pregnant women, and others at high risk do not use alcohol,
tobacco, or other drugs. They do no cause harm to themselves
and to those around them.
Prevention reduces the risk of danger and fosters a safe
environment. Successful prevention leads to reductions on
traffic fatalities, violence, HIV/AIDS and other sexually
transmitted diseases (STDs), rape, teen pregnancy, child
abuse, cancer and heart disease, injuries and trauma, and
other problems associated with substance abuse. Thanks to
prevention, our children stay in school. Our workers stay
on the job. Prevention works! Let's make prevention work
for everyone!
- Why is prevention of
ATOD problems important?
ATOD problems cost years of quality life. And, they cost
money. For example, alcohol and other drug problems cost
each man, woman and child in America $800 a year, or nearly
$200 billion. If alcohol were never used carelessly in our
society, about 100,000 fewer people would die annually from
unnecessary illness and injury. Each year, smoking takes
the lives of about 400,000 and passive smoking about 50,000.
In addition, prevention efforts strengthen our communities,
schools, families, and individuals. Drug dealers are less
likely to infiltrate strong communities. Schools with strong
policies against smoking and drinking are healthier. Family
members who serve as healthy role models help inoculate
their offspring. Mentors offer support for healthy individual
development.
These facts also help explain why ATOD problem prevention
is important:
- Nearly 7 out of 10 manslaughter offenses occur after
a person has been drinking or using other drugs.
- Smoking and use of other tobacco products cause cancer
and heart disease. Alcohol also is a factor in these
diseases.
- The use and abuse of these substances frequently contribute
to teen pregnancy, HIV/AIDS/STD transmission, child
abuse, and other social problems.
- According to one analysis, persons who abuse alcohol
and other drugs use two and one half times the medical
benefits as non-abusers; and children of substance abusers
also use more health care services.
- What are the signs &
symptoms of drug abuse (physical signs)?
The following may be signs of drug use. However, they
can also be signs of some other illness, or poor general
health.
- Reddened or watery eyes
- Dilated or pin-point eye pupils
- Sudden loss of weight
- Occasional memory loss
- Slurred and slow speech
- Lack of energy
- Disturbed sleep patterns
- Chronic coughing
- Poor coordination, staggering or stumbling movements
- Loss of appetite but a craving for sweets, called
the "munchies"
- What do I look for if I think
my adolescent son or daughter is using chemicals to get
high?
COMMON SYMPTOMATIC CHARACTERISTICS OF CHEMICAL USE AND CHEMICAL
DEPENDENCY IN ADOLESCENTS
- Physical Signs:
- Changes in facial color and degrees of alertness
from day to day.
- Changes in levels of activity from day to day
(i.e., alert and active one day, tired and subdued
the next).
- Similar changes may also occur from hour to hour.
- Truancy:
- Chronic tardiness.
- Excessive absences (with or without pattern).
- Leaving class early (with or without excuse).
- Attitude:
- Low motivation and loss of interest.
- Often hostile when criticized.
- Argumentative.
- Extreme negativism.
- Stereotypical thinking.
- Denial of any problem.
- Low self-esteem.
- Remorse, promise to change.
- Academic Performance:
- Lower grades, lower achievement (over a period
of time).
- Contact with Others:
- Avoidance of contact with concerned persons.
- Spends less time at home (time at home is often
alone-in room, basement, etc).
- Makes appointments but does not show up.
- Avoids talking about, or minimizes, chemical use
with adults; but brags about use with peers.
- Chemical Use:
- Frequent use and intoxication.
- Hiding chemicals.
- Finding different ways to use.
- Using chemicals in the morning and/or at school
or work.
- Other Behaviors:
- Involvement in arguments, fights, thefts or other
illegal behavior.
- Noticeable change of friends over a period of
time (new friends tend to be more known or suspected
of chemical use than old ones).
- Obvious signs of being under the influence of
a chemical in or out of school (the smell of alcohol
or other chemicals, movement (walking) is affected,
altered speech, inappropriate verbal responses).
- Absenteeism or low performance on job.
- What is the primary mind altering
substance found in marijuana?
Tetrhydrocannabinol (THC) is the primary mind altering substance
found in marijuana.
- Is Nicotine really addicting?
Nicotine is the chief active, addicting ingredient in Tobacco
leaves. A small amount of Nicotine, a poisonous alkaloid,
injected directly into the blood stream would kill a person
within one hour.
- How much alcohol can the average
person drink without causing an overdose?
The amount of alcohol one can safely consume depends on
a number of factors. However, extremely large quantities
of alcohol in the bloodstream can stun the brain's control
over breathing and cause death. The lethal or life-threatening
level of alcohol in the blood stream is .50 percent.
- Are Steroids really harmful?
Yes! Anabolic Steroids are synthetic derivatives of testosterone
a male sex hormone. Harmful effects include damage to the
heart, liver, kidneys, edema, high blood pressure and the
development of atherosclerosis, an artery clogging disease.
- What are some of the signs
to look for if I think my child is abusing inhalants?
The initial effects of deep-breathing various chemical vapors
include nausea and vomiting, sneezing, nose bleeds, bloodshot
eyes, looking tired, bad breath, lack of coordination, thirstiness,
and loss of appetite.
- What kind of chemicals are used
for sniffing, or huffing as some call it?
There seems to be four categories of substances used for
HUFFING; Solvents, Aerosol products, butane and anesthetics.
Solvents include chemicals such as model airplane glue,
nail polish, cleaning fluids and Gasoline.
Aerosol products include substances such as butane, paints,
cookware coating agents, hair sprays, etc.
Butane is just one of a variety of hydrocarbon derivatives
such as correction fluid or freon, an air-conditioning coolant.
Physical damage caused by huffing these products include
loss of coordination, confusion, lung, liver, bone marrow
and brain damage and possible death.
Anesthetics include Nitrous Oxide (laughing gas), Halothane,
Amyl Nitrite, and Butyl Nitrite. Amyl Nitrite dilates the
blood vessels and MAKES THE HEART BEAT FASTER. The use of
Butyl Nitrite is characterized by decreased blood pressure
followed by increased heart rate, flushed face and neck,
dizziness and headache.
- If I need help for a substance
abuse problem, do I have to tell my parents?
No! Although most treatment providers prefer family involvement
Michigan Law allows for adolescents to seek substance abuse
treatment without the permission of either parent. There
are special funds for the treatment of adolescent alcohol
and drug problems. There is no cost to the adolescent.
- If a parent experiences uncontrolled
drinking does that mean that their offspring will drink
uncontrollably too?
Not necessarily! Studies show that children of alcoholics
have a greater chance of becoming alcoholics than those
of non-alcoholic parents, it is not "guaranteed" that they
are destined to become alcoholics. However, due to the genetic
predisposition (x-factor) passed along to the off-spring
of alcoholic parents to their children it would be wise
for the C.O.A.'s to exercise extreme caution in experimenting
with alcohol or other mood-altering substances.
- If I need help with a drug or alcohol
problem where do I turn?
Genesee County residents should contact I.A.R.C. at 1(810)235-9555.
- Where can I get help even
though I have no insurance?
Most counties or regions in Michigan serve Medicaid recipients
and have "block grant" funds available for residents to
seek help for alcohol and drug problems; the location and
phone number of the CDRF (Central Diagnostic & Referral
Center) for your area is listed below:
CDR's IN MICHIGAN
- Michigan Department of Community Heath Mental Health Substance
Abuse Services
- Central Diagnostic and Referral (CDR) Agencies
Goal of CDR Services
To improve access to the substance abuse system,
to provide objective assessment and to arrange for patient
placement in appropriate services.
CDR Services
Each region in Michigan has Central Diagnostic
and Referral (CDR) services available. CDR Agencies promote
these services:
- Provide a central point of entry to substance abuse treatment
services
- Determine financial eligibility
- Provide an assessment for alcohol, tobacco, and other
drugs
- Refer to substance abuse treatment
- Refer to other support services
- Provide case management service
CDR services are available to all individuals in a community.
Individuals in need of state-funded residential services or
intensive outpatient services must be assessed by a CDR agency
before entering these programs.
Preference for admission to substance abuse treatment is
given to:
- Pregnant injecting drug users
- Pregnant substance abusers
- Injecting drug users
- Parents whose children have been or are in danger of being,
removed from the home under Michigan child protection laws
because of the parent's substance abuse.
- All other individuals
Detroit Department of Health Bureau of Substance Abuse
Serving: City of Detroit (Wayne County)
Health Services Technical Assistance Addiction Treatment
Services, Inc.
Central Diagnostic & Referral Service
1151 Taylor, Building 1
Detroit, MI 48202
(313)876-4070 or (313)259-3727 Fax(313)872-2219
Eastern Upper Peninsula Substance Abuse Services
Serving: Alger, Chippewa, Delta, Luce, Mackinac, Marquette,
Menominee, Schoolcraft Counties
Central Diagnostic & Referral Services
11500 West Washington Street
Marquette, MI 49855
(906)228-3468 or 1-800-305-6564 Fax (906)228-3561
Genesee County Health Department
Serving: Genesee County
Intake, Assessment and Referral Center Inc.
202 East Boulevard Dr Suite 200
Flint, MI 48503
(810)235-9555 Fax (810)235-9525
Kalamazoo County Human Services Depart. Substance Abuse
Division
Serving: Barry, Branch, Kalamazoo, St Joseph Counties
Community Assessment & Screening Service
629 Pioneer
Kalamazoo, MI 49008
(616)381-2359 or 1-800-381-2359 Fax (616)381-2358
Kent County Community Mental Health
Serving: Montcalm, Ionia, Newaygo, Kent Counties
Assessment Unit Cornerstone Offices
833 Lake Drive S.E.
Grand Rapids, MI 49506
(616)336-3801 OR 1-800-749-7720 Fax (616)336-2475
Lakeshore Coordinating Council
Serving: Allegan, Berrien, Cass, Muskegon, Ottawa, VanBuren
Counties
Shoreline Consultation Services
750 West Sherman, Suite 305
Muskegon, MI 49441
(231)733-5334 or 1-800-981-2481 Fax (231)737-1255
Shoreline Consultation Services
185 E Main St Suite 501
Benton Harbor, MI 49022
(616)926-8389 or 1-800-926-8389 Fax (616)926-0926
Macomb County Community Mental Health Services
Serving: Macomb County
Community Assessment Referral and Education
42621 Garfield Road, Suite 101
Clinton Twp, MI 48038
(810)412-0033 Fax (810)412-0935
Mid-South Substance Abuse Commission
Serving: Calhoun, Clinton, Eaton, Gratiot, Hillsdale, Ingham,
Jackson, Lenawee, Shiawasse Counties
Central Diagnostic & Referral Service, Inc
2875 Northwind Dr Suite 237
East Lansing, MI 48823
(517)337-7209 or 1-800-342-0349 Fax (517)337-0132
Central Diagnostic & Referral Services, Inc.
67 W Michigan Suite 411
Battle Creek, MI 49017
(616)965-1266 or 1-800-342-0349 Fax (616)966-2532
Central Diagnostic & Referral Service, Inc.
120 W Michigan Suite 900B
Jackson, MI 49201
(517)788-4620 or 1-800-342-0349 Fax (517)768-5819
Northern Michigan Substance Abuse Services, Inc.
Serving: Alcona, Alpena, Antrim, Arenac, Benzie, Charlevoix,
Cheboygan, Clare, Crawford, Emmet, Gladwin, Grand Traverse,
Iosco, Isabella, Kalkaska, Lake, Leelanau, Nainstee, mason,
Mecosta, Midland, Missaukee, Montmorency, Oceana, Ogemaw,
Osceola, Oscoda, Otsego, Presque Isle, Roscommon, Wexford
Counties
Central Scheduling 1-800-686-0749
Central Diagnostic & Referral Service, Inc.
P.O. Box 3010
Gaylord, MI 49734
(517)732-0864 or 1-800-686-0749 Fax (517)731-3437
Central Diagnostic & Referral Service, Inc.
121 ½ E Water St Suite 4
Alpena, MI 49707
(517)354-3121 or 1-800-254-2377 Fax (517)354-6009
Oakland County Health Division-Office of Substance Abuse
Serving: Oakland County
Pace Unit
250 Elizabeth Lake Rd Suite 1570
Pontiac, MI 48341
(248)858-5200 or 1-888-350-0900, Ext 85200 Fax (248)452-8672
Saginaw County Health Department
Serving: Bay, Saginaw Counties
Bay Area Substance Abuse Assessment & Referral Agency
1600 N Michigan Ave Suite 503
Saginaw, MI 48602
(517)758-3781 or 1-888-466-3141 Fax (517)758-3767
St. Clair County Health Department
Serving: Huron, Lapeer, Sanilac, St.Clair, Tuscola Counties
Thumb Region Central Diagnostic & Referral Services
1142 S. Van Dyke
Bad Axe, MI 48413
1-800-237-0870 Fax(810)648-2393
Southeast Michigan Community Alliance
Serving: Monroe & Wayne Counties (excluding City of Detroit)
Downriver Community Conference Central Diagnostic & Referral
Unit
15100 Northline Rd
Southgate, MI 48195
(734)283-9444 or 1-800-686-6543 Fax (734)283-5140
CompCare
1750 S. Telegraph Rd Suite 106
Bloomfield Hills, Mi 48302
(248)332-8718 Fax (248)332-4522
(Serves Medicaid Recipients Only)
Washtenaw-Livington Substance Abuse Coordinating Agency
Serving: Livingston, Washtenaw Counties
Health Services Access Referral System, Inc.
555 Towner
Ypsilanti, MI 48197
(734)481-2502 or 1-800-440-7548 Fax (734)481-2504
Referral Systems, Inc.
206 S. Highlander Way
Howell, MI 48843
(517)546-4126 Fax (517)546-1300
Western U.P. Substance Abuse Services Coordinating Agency
Serving: Baraga, Dickinson, Gogebic, Houghton, Iron, Keweenaw,
Ontonagon Counties
Coordinating Agency Assessment Services
903 W. Memorial Dr
Houghton, MI 49931
(906)482-7473 or 1-888-4824097 Fax (906)482-4551
Coordinating Agency Assessment Services
427 S. Stephenson Ave Suite 219
Iron Mountain, MI 49801
(906)779-1999 or 1-888-779-0095 Fax (906)779-5745
Coordinating Agency Assessment Services
103 W. U.S. 2
Wakefield MI, 49968
(906) 229-6144 Fax (906) 229-6191
DID YOU KNOW?
- Alcohol is a drug that can cause more serious health problems
for girls than guys. Girls feel the effects of alcohol more
quickly, and health problems happen faster.
- Cocaine increases your blood pressure. Both alcohol and
cocaine increase your heart rate. When you use alcohol and
cocaine together, your heart rate increases more than in
you used either drug alone.
- Pills-like those taken for nerves or to sleep-can be dangerous...especially
if you take them with alcohol.
- Girls get HIV infection and AIDS more easily from boys
than boys do from girls.
- Inhalants (glue, paint thinner, etc.) can cause damage
to your lungs, liver, and heart. They can also cause memory
loss.
- Steroids can stunt your growth, lead to sterility and
cause you to be angry and tense all the time.
- Marijuana can harm your lungs and increase your heart
rate and blood pressure.
- Alcohol is a drug that can hurt your liver. Heavy drinking
makes it harder for your body to fight off diseases. So
does using heroin or cocaine.
- If you drink a lot of alcohol in a very short time, you
can die of alcohol poisoning. The people who usually die
from this kind of drinking are teens.
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