If you have general questions about alcohol, tobacco or other drugs or would like to talk with someone about a loved one or friend who may need help, our office is open Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 5 PM.  Our phone number is 317-254-2815.  You may also contact us via email at: info@drugfreemc.org.

If you need immediate assistance for a young person or someone else, you may contact the 24-hour Crisis Line at 317-251-7575.

To learn more about Drug Free Marion County's program to address underage and binge drinking in Indianapolis, and for fact sheets about underage and binge drinking in Marion County,click here.

Click here to read the December 2011 Drug Free Marion County Update

Click here to read the November 2011 Drug Free Marion County Update

Click here to read the October 2011 Drug Free Marion County Update

Click here to read the June 2011 Drug Free Family Newsletter

Click here to ready the May 2011 Drug Free Family Newsletter

Click here to read the April 2011 Drug Free Family Newsletter

Click here to read the March 2011 Drug Free Family Newsletter

Click here to read the February 2011 Drug Free Family Newsletter

Click here to read the January 2011 Drug Free Family Newsletter

Should You Be Concerned?

• Frequently tardy or truant from school?
  
• Losing motivation, energy, and self-discipline?
  
• Losing interest in activities and hobbies?
  
• Increasingly forgetful - short or long term?
  
• Having trouble paying attention and concentrating?
  
• Expressing anger, hostility or irritability?
  
• Sullen with uncaring attitudes and behavior?
  
• Argumentative with you and/or siblings?
  
• Unable to explain extra money or "new" items they have?
  
• Experiencing unusual mood swings?
  
• Dropping old friends and secretive about new ones?
  
• Unhealthy in appearance, e.g. bloodshot eyes?
  
• Inattentive about personal grooming?
  
• In trouble with the law, in or out of school?
  
• Eating much more or much less than usual?
  
• Occupied with drug-related graphics and slogans? 
• In possession of pipes, small boxes, baggies, rolling papers, empty aerosol cans, etc?

• Talk to the young person about what you have seen and what concerns you have.  Try and avoid direct accusations.  Do not do this when they are under the influence of drugs or alcohol.  (It could be a matter of life or death.)
• Approach them in a calm and rational manner.  Ask what is going on in their life.
• Discuss ways to avoid using drugs or alcohol in the future.
• If you feel that you can't handle talking to the young person directly, ask for help.
• Remember to reinforce the no drug use policy during your conversation.
• Discipline must be firm and consistent.  Make sure to discuss ways they can earn back trust.
• Denial is part of using behaviors.  If you have strong evidence that a young person is lying, as a perant, you may want to have him/her evaluated by a health professioanl experienced in helping adolescents with alcohol and drug-related problems.  If you are a health professional, you may want to encourage parents to face their denial and seek support.
• Drug addiction is now understood to be a chronic, relapsing disease.  It may require a number of attempts before a young person can remain drug or alcohol free.

Information provided by Fairbanks

www.fairbankscd.org 

Check out our booklet entitled "Start Talking Before They Start Using".  This booklet is all about how to talk to your kids about drugs and things that YOU as a parent should be aware of.

Click here for the Espanol version of  "Comience A Hablar Antes De Que Ellos Comiencen A Usarlo!"