Resources for Parents
"BEHIND THE MOST BEAUTIFUL DOORS"
Substance Use Disorder can happen behind the Most Beautiful Doors. It can happen in any family, regardless of gender, socio-economic status, race, religion or profession. It happened in my family.
Here, parents will have access to many different resources. They will learn the signs and symptoms of abuse and get the tools, resources and skills needed to help heal and rebuild their families relationships with confidence and courage. They will also learn how to minimize the risk to prevent the early onset of addiction.
I've put together information and videos on Substance Abuse that I feel are instrumental in prevention, awareness, treatment, recovery, and much more. Please take advantage of my research and check the other resource pages for additional information.
God Bless you and yours,
Donna DeStefano, Founder and CEO
Substance Use Disorder can happen behind the Most Beautiful Doors. It can happen in any family, regardless of gender, socio-economic status, race, religion or profession. It happened in my family.
Here, parents will have access to many different resources. They will learn the signs and symptoms of abuse and get the tools, resources and skills needed to help heal and rebuild their families relationships with confidence and courage. They will also learn how to minimize the risk to prevent the early onset of addiction.
I've put together information and videos on Substance Abuse that I feel are instrumental in prevention, awareness, treatment, recovery, and much more. Please take advantage of my research and check the other resource pages for additional information.
God Bless you and yours,
Donna DeStefano, Founder and CEO
Please click here to read "Letter to a Friend." This tells the real story of a person with a substance use disorder's struggle. This is powerful.
STATISTICS
Today, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, 18- to 25-year-olds are the biggest abusers of opioid pain relievers, A.D.H.D. stimulants and anti-anxiety drugs. Prescription drugs account for more overdose deaths among this age group than all illegal drugs combined. Alcohol remains the No. 1 health hazard and date-rape drug on college campuses, and a new generation of pen-sized, odorless vaporizers with USB ports for easy recharging allow students to get high virtually anywhere, even at school. See more college resources here: www.pickawareness.com/college-student-resources.html
Further, on an average day, 7,540 adolescents ages 12-17 drink alcohol for the first time, 4,365 use illicit drugs, 2,466 abuse a prescription pain medication (without a prescription) and 263 are admitted to treatment facilities for marijuana dependence (more than any other drug).
-2008 OAS/SAMHSA
Teenagers whose parents talk to them on a regular basis about the dangers of substance abuse are 42% less likely to use drugs than those whose parents do not talk with their children. Educate yourself.
Further, on an average day, 7,540 adolescents ages 12-17 drink alcohol for the first time, 4,365 use illicit drugs, 2,466 abuse a prescription pain medication (without a prescription) and 263 are admitted to treatment facilities for marijuana dependence (more than any other drug).
-2008 OAS/SAMHSA
Teenagers whose parents talk to them on a regular basis about the dangers of substance abuse are 42% less likely to use drugs than those whose parents do not talk with their children. Educate yourself.
The Prevention Works Project
This booklet came from an idea that I had to open up the conversation between Pediatricians and Parents. It was a collaborative effort with my colleagues Jill Quaranta and Michelle Cicalese at Prevention First.
This was financially sponsored by Actavis, now Allergan Pharmaceuticals. The Prevention Works Project includes advice on how to talk to your kids at any age, resources for prevention, treatment and recovery, help lines, prescription medication disposal information and more. For a copy call 732-663-1800 or fill out this contact form: www.preventionfirst.net/contact.html
This booklet came from an idea that I had to open up the conversation between Pediatricians and Parents. It was a collaborative effort with my colleagues Jill Quaranta and Michelle Cicalese at Prevention First.
This was financially sponsored by Actavis, now Allergan Pharmaceuticals. The Prevention Works Project includes advice on how to talk to your kids at any age, resources for prevention, treatment and recovery, help lines, prescription medication disposal information and more. For a copy call 732-663-1800 or fill out this contact form: www.preventionfirst.net/contact.html
Videos I Produced:
The following are videos I either produced or assisted with
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100% Proofing PSA
The 100% Proofing PSA for the Prevention Coalition of Monmouth County aims to help reduce underage drinking. Kudos to the establishments who wanted to make a difference in Monmouth County by participating in this video and implementing a 100% Proofing policy in their businesses. |
"What's Your Thing?" PSA
The "What’s Your Thing?" PSA is part of the Prevention Works Project and focuses on healthy hobbies. |
Videos Starring Yours Truly:
Moms Know Best: A Crucial Message for Parents
I participated in the campaign "Moms Know Best" from The Partnership for a Drug-Free NJ to bring awareness to parents about prescription medication and heroin. Please watch and visit Talk Now NJ!
I participated in the campaign "Moms Know Best" from The Partnership for a Drug-Free NJ to bring awareness to parents about prescription medication and heroin. Please watch and visit Talk Now NJ!
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Continue the Conversation: #BeAFace
I'm proud to be part of Governor Christie's video (below) to bring awareness about heroin addiction in NJ. Christina (shown below) lost her son to an overdose. My daughter Laura and I also shared our story along with others. "Substance Use Disorder" is a disease. Please watch this video and help reduce the stigma. |
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Videos I Like
The Overtaken Documentary
Tough to watch, but a reality of what’s happening
Tough to watch, but a reality of what’s happening
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Recovery High Schools
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The Sober World is an award winning informative national magazine that’s designed to help parents and families who have loved ones struggling with addiction. It is an informative and educational resource. Together we can help turn the tide and reduce the stigma attached to addiction.
www.thesoberworld.com
The Partnership for Drug Free Kids
www.drugfree.org
The Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey
www.drugfreenj.org
Prevention Links
preventionlinks.org
Barnabas Health, Institute For Prevention
www.barnabashealth.org/Specialty-Services/Behavioral-Health/The-Institute-for-Prevention.aspx
Squash the Secret, An organization for the education of parents and children about heroin/opiate abuse.squashthesecret.net
Please see Squash the Secrets Sister site: justinforjustice.org
Co-Dependents Anonymous, How to develop healthy relationships with someone who is using drugs.
coda.org
Pill Identification Wizard from Drugs.com
Put in the color and shape of a pill to identify what it is.
www.drugs.com/imprints.php
Write a Contract with Your Kids
Here is a link to write a contract between you and your child about not drinking alcohol or doing drugs and outlining the consequences if they do. You can customize the content to fit your needs or leave it just the way it is and print it out.
www.drugfree.org/resources/write-a-contract-with-your-kids
Drug Guide
Print out this drug guide - I hope it helps you become more aware.
www.drugfree.org/resources/drug-guide-for-parents-learn-the-facts-to-keep-your-teen-safe/
40 Developmental Assets
The 40 Developmental Assets for Adolescents to succeed.
http://www.search-institute.org/content/40-developmental-assets-adolescents-ages-12-18
Find a Pediatrician - Easy Locator in Your Area
http://www.zocdoc.com/pediatricians
Learn 2 Cope Support Group
Support group for parents and family dealing with heroin and prescription drug addiction.
http://www.learn2cope.org
Parent to Parent
http://www.parent2parentnj.org/
Parents Connect
www.parentsconnect.com
Power to the Parent!
http://powertotheparent.org/toolkit/warning-signs/
The Parent Toolkit
A parent resource for prevention.
http://theparenttoolkit.org/
MADD - Mothers Against Drunk Driving
History of MADD (Thank you Grace from Teens 4 Safety)
http://www.sr22insurancequotes.org/history-of-madd/
Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM) - Patrick Kennedy
http://learnaboutsam.org
A listing of recovery high schools http://www.recoveryschools.org
Parent Check NJ
Resources for parents on how to communicate with kids about binge drinking and a database of alcohol policies from NJ colleges.
http://www.parentchecknj.com
United Parents
Resources to strengthen parents who have kids with mental health, emotional or behavioral disorders.
http://www.unitedparents.org
Parents Anonymous
Hope for the future
www.pa-of-nj.org
NJ Parent Link
Early childhood and parenting resource center.
http://www.njparentlink.nj.gov
Scholastic
Get your kids motivated!
http://www.scholastic.com/resources/article/quick-click-5-ideas-for-keeping-kids-motivated/
Adult Child Addict
It’s NOT your fault!
www.adultchildaddict.com
Parent Further
A search institute resource for families
www.parentfurther.com
Stop Alcohol Abuse
A parents gateway to comprehensive research and resources on the prevention of alcohol abuse.
www.stopalcoholabuse.gov
Empowering Parents
Articles about teens and all their issues.
www.empoweringparents.com
Prevent Teen Drug Use
Great resources for parents.
www.preventteendruguse.org
Help Guide
A trusted non-profit resource to help yourself and others.
www.helpguide.org
What to Look for: Is my child using?
www.teenswithproblems.com
How to talk to your teens about driving
http://iknoweverything.com/parents
Recovery2.0, Tommy Rosen/ Thrive In Recovery
recovery2point0.com
Recovery Connection
I want to thank Kim Armstrong for researching and finding this AWESOME website to share! I welcome all resources to keep our kids healthy, happy and drug free! Thank you Kim and your amazing mom Darci for reaching out!
http://www.recoveryconnection.org/talking-to-your-child-about-drugs/
Alcohol and Drug Abuse: Fighting the High Rates of Addiction:usinsuranceagents.com/high-rates-addiction-help
Prevention First
Local resource for anti-bullying, alcohol, tobacco and substance abuse.
www.preventionfirst.net
Donna and Laura are available to speak to all groups and welcome the opportunity to share their story to empower others.
Contact Donna at ddestefano@pickawareness.com to schedule your next event.
You may also write to her:
Address: P.O. Box 74, Allenwood N.J. 08720