FOR STUDENTS

Living-Life Drug-Free

Teen Refusal Skills (Works for Adults, too) 

Signs my friend is using

Warning signs my friend may be using drugs

• Change in interests
• Skipping assignments, classes, activities, work
• Lack of energy, motivation
• Red eyes or using eye drops
• New friends
• Showing less concern about breaking curfew or rules
• Needing money
• Using strong amounts of perfume, potent lotion, body spray, etc.
• Strong smell of mints

What to do if I think my friend is using alcohol or drugs

• Talk to a trusted adult
• Information provided by client

How to get help

How to Get Help if You are A Student

• Charlotte Behavioral Health Care: 24-Hour Crisis Line: 941-575-0222
• 1700 Education Ave. Punta Gorda, FL
• Web: https://www.cbhcfl.org
• Recovery Center/Detox: 941-347-6444
• Main Number: 941-639-8300
• Toll Free: 1-877-703-5267
• Compass Center Residential Treatment Program: 941-639-5535
• https://www.coastalbh.org/services/child/compass-center/index.html
• Florida Sheriff’s Youth Ranch: 800-765-3797
• Email: fsyr@youthranches.org
• Southwest Florida Counseling Center: 941-249-4354
• 1777 Tamiami Trail, Suite 201, Port Charlotte, FL
• Teen Group: Intake@SWFCC.net
• 941-249-4354 X1
• swfcc.net/request-appointment
• Teen Challenge: 
• https://teenchallengeusa.org/contact/
• Several locations in Florida: 417-581-2181
• Other Port Charlotte, FL Resources: 
  
• Charlotte County Legal Aid: 941-505-9007
• Charlotte County Health Department: 941-639-1181
• Center for Abuse and Rape Emergencies: 941-627-6000 or https://carefl.org/
• Charlotte County Homeless Coalition: 941-627-4313
• https://cchomelesscoalition.org/
• Park Royal Behavioral Health Hospital: 1-855-564-0136
• https://www.parkroyalhospital.com
• Health and Human Services Information & Referral Line: 211 or 941-205-2161
• National Alliance on Mental Health, Port Charlotte Chapter
• https://gulfcoastpartnership.org/nami-support-groups-in-charlotte-county/

Know the facts

Know the facts versus myths about drugs

• Drugs can’t affect student aid. False. A student can lose eligibility if they are convicted of certain crimes. https://www.getsmartaboutdrugs.gov/consequences/federal-student-aid-and-drug-use
• It’s okay to drive after a few drinks. False. “The effects of alcohol start sooner than people realize, with mild impairment (up to .05 BAC) starting to affect speech, memory, attention, coordination, and balance. And if you are under 21, driving after drinking any amount of alcohol is illegal and you could lose your license.” https://www.utmedicalcenter.org/here-are-9-myths-about-drugs-and-alcohol/
• Prescription pills are safe because they came from a doctor. False. Since 2003, prescription pain medications like Vicodin and OxyContin have been involved in more overdose deaths than heroin and cocaine combined.” https://www.utmedicalcenter.org/here-are-9-myths-about-drugs-and-alcohol/
• E-cigarettes without nicotine are harmless. False. “Vaping can expose the user’s lungs to harmful chemicals like formaldehyde, diacetyl, and acrolein, as well as toxic metal particles like nickel, tin, and lead.” https://www.scholastic.com/youthvapingrisks/pdfs/thefactsaboutvaping.pdf



Resources

• Additional ResourcesLearn more about drugs: https://www.dea.gov/education-and-outreach-media
• Partnership for Drug-Free Kids: https://drugfree.org/drug-guide/
• Teens and Vaping: https://www.getsmartaboutdrugs.gov/content/teens-and-vaping
• United States Drug Enforcement Administration: www.dea.gov
• Get Smart About Drugs: www.getsmartaboutdrugs.com
• National Institute on Drug Abuse: www.drugabuse.gov/related-topics/prevention
• National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism: www.niaaa.nih.gov
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: www.samhsa.gov/prevention