Cornerstone - Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission for Greenwood, Edgefield, McCormick and Abbeville counties in South Carolina

Build Trust - In general, parents should build trust and establish open lines of communication with their children. Studies show that children whose parents listen, respect them, validate them and foster positive self-images are less likely to develop problems with alcohol or other drugs.
Get Involved - It is also important for parents to be actively involved in their kids' world. Family dinners afford parents the opportunity to hear what is going on at school, who their children's friends are and what activities interest them. If possible, get to know the parents of these other children. By keeping in touch with them, you can exchange ideas about parenting techniques that work and those that don't. Also, you will be able to verify that those parents will be home when your child goes to visit or attends a party there.
Just the Facts - Rather than lecturing your child about the dangers of alcohol and other drugs, look for opportunities to have brief dialogues or "learning moments." Also, provide kids with factual information about alcohol, tobacco and other drugs. Without using scare tactics, let your children know the consequences of using these substances. Emphasize the effects on the family, on the child and any legal consequences. Effects such as loss of privileges, bad breath and yellow teeth are more tangible to kids than overall health risks.
Seek Help - Finally, parents are encouraged to seek help if needed. Several support groups are available for family members of those who struggle with alcohol and other drug addiction. Many communities have parent education programs. Family physicians are also a valuable resource. For a listing of resources for parents in your area, contact Cornerstone or your local alcohol and drug abuse authority.

What are inhalants?

Inhalants are breathable chemicals that produce mind-altering effects in people who inhale them. Terms associated with the use of inhalants include "huffing" and "sniffing." Slang terms often used to identify the products themselves include "bolt," "bullet," "climax," "laughing gas," "locker room," nitrous oxide," "poppers," "rush," "snappers," "solvents," "Texas shoe shine" and "whippets."

Can inhalants be found in my home and, if so, what should I do to protect my child?

Yes. More than 1,000 common household products are misused as inhalants including adhesives, household cleaning products and paint products. Keep them away from children by placing a lock on where you keep them, or by storing them in a place that a child can't reach.

Can inhalant use cause medical problems?

Yes. Use of inhalants can cause serious medical problems, including death, even the first time they're used, as they literally starve the user's body of oxygen. Inhalants are very dangerous substances because once inhaled they enter the brain very quickly and absorb into the lungs causing blood levels to rise rapidly.

Short-term medical problems include seizures, nosebleeds, nausea, loss of appetite, decreased heart rate, decreased respiratory rate, headaches and abdominal pain.
Long-term medical problems include pallor; weight loss; sores on the nose and mouth; bone marrow damage; impaired liver function including cirrhosis; impaired kidney function; decreased motor coordination; fatigue; decreased sense of smell; lung damage; hearing loss; and impaired immune function.

What are club drugs?

"Club drugs" is the term used to describe various dangerous drugs that are being used by young adults at dance clubs, bars and all-night dance parties known as "raves" or "trances." Often used in combination with alcohol, these drugs can be extremely dangerous, causing serious health problems and even death. MDMA (Ecstasy), gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB), flunitrazepam (Rohypnol or Roofies) and ketamine (Special K or Vitamin K) are all considered to belong to this newly emerging category. Other drugs sometimes categorized as club drugs include alcohol, amphetamines and methamphetamines.

What are the effects of smoking marijuana?

Marijuana users may experience many problems, even when taking the drug in low doses. Problems include headaches and dizziness; disturbances with short-term memory and learning; distorted perception of sight, sound, time and touch; trouble with thinking and problem solving; loss of coordination; and paranoia and anxiety or panic attacks. Furthermore, people who eat marijuana may experience nausea and vomiting. Medical problems associated with heavy marijuana use include cancer, respiratory disorders, reproductive problems and immune-system deficiencies.

What are the legal consequences surrounding alcohol, tobacco or other drug abuse?

Laws, fines and penalties surrounding alcohol, tobacco and other drug use differ from state to state, and are also regulated by the federal government.

Tobacco - On Aug. 21, 2006, new laws go into effect in South Carolina regarding tobacco.
- A clerk who sells tobacco products to someone under age 18 face a $100 fine for a first offense, $200 fine for a second offense (occurring within three years of the first), and a $300 fine for a third or subsequent offense (occurring within three years of the first). All offenses are misdemeanors. The clerk may be required to attend a DAODAS-approved Merchant Education program in lieu of the fine.
- Retailers who sell to minors risk federal civil penalties ranging from fines of $250 to up to $10,000 or more.
- A youth under age 18 caught in possession or attempting to possess tobacco products face a $25 fine. The youth may complete a DHEC-approved prevention or smoking cessation program or may complete five hours of community service in lieu of the fine.
Alcohol - In South Carolina, it is illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to purchase or possess alcohol. Like tobacco, penalties exist for anyone who sells or otherwise provides alcohol to a person under 21. It is also illegal in South Carolina to drive a car or boat under the influence of alcohol. For both driving under the influence (DUI) and boating while under the influence (BUI), a person is considered to be under the influence if their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is .08 percent or greater. Both DUI and BUI can result in arrest, fines and loss of a license, as well as cause injury, property damage and death.
Illicit Drugs - The possession of illicit drugs is also illegal, regardless of age, for anyone in South Carolina. Specifically, it is illegal to have, make or intend to distribute any controlled substance in South Carolina. Penalties vary depending on the circumstances and the particular drug, but may include a suspended driver's license for up to one year, fines and imprisonment. If someone in your home is using drugs, you will have to prove the drug is not yours to escape punishment.

Is there a link between HIV/AIDS and alcohol and other drug abuse?

Substance abuse and HIV/AIDS have been described as linked epidemics. Behavior associated with drug abuse is the largest factor in the spread of HIV in the United States. Injection drug use and unsafe sexual practices with multiple partners or with known injection drug users resulting from alcohol and other drug use are leading causes of HIV infection. Evidence also suggests that alcohol and other drug use may suppress the immune system, making people who use these substances more prone to HIV infection.

What should I do if I think I have been exposed to HIV?

The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) offers free and confidential HIV testing for anyone who requests it. Pre- and post-test counseling is available for everyone who takes the test, regardless of HIV status. If the test is negative, post-test counseling can help individuals learn how to prevent future infection. If the test is positive, post-test counseling can help them deal with the medical and psychological issues associated with knowledge of HIV infection.

Regardless of whether the test is positive or negative, it is important to engage in safe sexual practices and abstain from drug use to avoid future infection and to protect others from infection. In South Carolina, it is a crime for an individual who knows he is HIV positive to engage in sex or share needles with another person without first informing that person of his HIV status. For more information, call DHEC's HIV/AIDS hotline at 1-800-322-AIDS.

(Source: SC DAODAS)