DRUG FREE RULES!

RADA is . . .

The Roslyn Alliance Against Drug & Alcohol Abuse is a community-based action group committed to creating an environment in which young people make healthy, smart choices regarding drug and alcohol use.

RADA works closely with the Roslyn Public Schools and the Roslyn Parent Associations to increase parental awareness and provide information on alcohol and drug abuse through co-sponsorship of community forums. RADA also sponsors school assemblies dealing with a variety of drug/alcohol and self-esteem issues and works with the district in providing drug awareness programs and personal development workshops.

Prevention through education and community involvement is our greatest tool. Issues regarding drugs and alcohol in our homes, schools and community affect children at all stages of life.

RADA and the
East Williston-Roslyn Community Coalition for Drug-Free Youth
present...

"My Kids Are Too Young—
They Would Never Be Involved In Any of This..."

An Evening with Caroline Sullivan

WHEN: Thursday, February 8, 2007, 7:30pm
WHERE: Roslyn High School English Study Center

The truth is, kids will reach this point sooner, rather than later, and even the best kid can make a bad choice. Wouldn't you rather be prepared for when and if this time should come, rather than stumbling around trying to figure out how to deal with the situation while it's happening?

What would you do if:

  • Your child told you he tried alcohol at a friends' house.
  • Your child brought his friend home drunk and asked you to promise not to say anything to his parents.
  • You heard your friend's daughter was smoking pot and drinking at a party.
  • You heard that some of your child's friends drink, she claims she doesn't, but wants them over or wants to hang out with them at another house.
  • You're told your child was smoking pot and/or drinking at a friend's house.

    Let's face it, we plan for everything in our lives - why wouldn't we plan for the day when any of us may find ourselves in one of these situations?

    Caroline Sullivan has worked with substance users for 19 years. She is currently project director of the treatment court for the Suffolk County Family Court. There she deals with adolescents and adults whose substance abuse has brought them to the court system.

    Please join us for an open discussion with Ms. Sullivan. She will provide us with information on drugs and alcohol, as well as the tools to begin "planning" how to handle the above.

    You are sure to walk away with some value information whether your child is young or already there.

    Please e-mail any questions to: Mindy Sherman or Leslie Lewit-Milner

    Refreshments will be served.





    PARENTING SKILLS:
    21 TIPS & IDEAS TO HELP YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE

    Get Involved
    1.Establish "together time".
    2.Don't be afraid to ask.
    3.Try to be there after school when your child gets home.
    4.Eat together as often as possible.

    Learn to Communicate
    1.Be absolutely clear that you don't want your kids doing drugs.
    2.Be a better listener.
    3.Give honest answers.
    4.Use TV reports, commercials, etc. to introduce the subject in a natural way.
    5.Don't react in a negative way to discussions.
    6.Role play and practice ways to refuse drugs and alcohol.

    Walk the Walk
    1.Be a living example.
    2.Know that "Do as I say, not as I do" doesn't work.
    3.Examine your own behavior.

    Lay Down the Law
    1.Create laws.
    2.Set a curfew.
    3.Have kids check in at regular times.
    4.Call parents whose home is to be used for a party.
    5.Make it easy for your child to leave a party if they feel uncomfortable.
    6.Listen to your instincts.

    Praise and Reward
    1.Reward good behavior.
    2.Accentuate the positive.

    To find out more, visit these websites:

    www.theantidrug.com or call 1.800.788.2800.
    www.drugfreeamerica.org

    Info item:

    WHAT PARENTS SHOULD KNOW ABOUT ECSTASY

    More Answers to Your Questions about Drugs and Alcohol

    For information about drug abuse:

    National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.


    For information about alcohol abuse:

    Mothers Against Drug Driving

    How to Teach Your Child About Drugs:
    Age-appropriate advice is available in this online publication from the U.S. Department of Education:
    GROWING UP DRUG FREE . . . A Parent's Guide to Prevention

    If you or anyone you know needs help with a drug or alcohol related problem, here are some local resources:

    Nassau County Dept of Drug & Alcohol Services: 516.572.1900
    Nassau County Drug & Alcohol Helpline: 516.481.4000

    Daytop Village & Daytop Family Association
    2075 New York Avenue
    Huntington Station, NY 11746
    631.531.2117

    MADD Long Island
    33 Walt Whitman Road Suite 235
    Huntington Station, NY 11746
    631.547.MADD

    Long Island Jewish Medical Center
    Manhasset Community Day Center
    1355 Northern Blvd
    Manhasset, NY 11030
    516.627.5002

    North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center
    480 Old Westbury Road
    Roslyn Heights
    516.626.1971

    Port Counseling Center Inc
    225 Main Street
    Port Washington, NY 11050
    516.767.1133

    Long Island Council on Alcohol & Drug Dependence
    207 Hillside Avenue
    Williston Park, NY 11596
    516.747.2606

    Long Island Medical Center
    366 Jericho Tpke
    Mineola, NY 11501
    516.742.4015

    PREVENTION :
    It's never too early to start.
    It's never too late to make a difference.