Don’t Let Your Child Become a Victim of Drug Addiction

TAKE PRECAUTIONS, KNOW WARNING SIGNS, SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP!
Information from

Dear Neighbor,

Our children’s lives are at stake.

It is unthinkable that in communities like ours it is necessary to protect our children from heroin and prescription drug abuse. Unfortunately, this is reality.

This guide and medicine tracker is designed to be taped in your medicine cabinet to use as a tool to keep a close watch on your prescription drugs. I have produced this to help you to protect your loved ones. It is one of many steps I am taking, including changing laws in Albany, to address the difficulties that parents are facing.

Together, we can maintain safer communities and protect our families from addiction and potentially life-threatening overdoses of these very dangerous drugs.

Sincerely,
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Heroin And Prescription Drug Abuse Can Lead To Addiction And Even Death. If You Suspect A Problem, Seek Professional Help.
Community Resources

  • YES Community Counseling Center, 516-799-3203

  • Long Island Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, 516-747-2606

  • Long Island Crisis Center 24-Hour Hotline, 516-679-1111

  • Prevention Resource Center at South Oaks Hospital, 631-608-5014, www.liprc.org

  • Drug Free Long Island, 516-308-4068

  • Nassau Alliance for Addiction Services, www.nassaualliance.org

  • NYS Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services, 518-485-2317, www.oasas.ny.gov

  • Nassau County Department of Mental Health and Chemical Dependency, 516-227-7007

  • Central Nassau Guidance and Counseling Services, 516-822-4060

  • Nassau County Heroin Prevention Task Force, www.heroinprevention.com


925 Hempstead Turnpike • Room 350
Franklin Square, NY 11010
516-437-5577 • rae@assembly.state.ny.us

Do not put off speaking to your child about the dangers of prescription drug misuse and heroin!
The Problem
One in three teenagers reports having a close friend who abuses prescription (Rx) pain relievers to get high.

1.5 million American teenagers have reported that they’ve abused prescription drugs.

Half of teenagers polled do not see a great risk abusing Rx or over-the-counter (OTC) drugs.

Teenagers believe that Rx and OTC medicines are safer than street drugs.

Take Precautions
Communicate with your children, their friends and other parents.

Monitor parties and your child’s social activities.


If you suspect a problem, address it immediately.


Know the legal consequences and criminal penalties associated with drug use.


Lock-up prescription drugs and dispense them to your children directly.

Know the Warning Signs
Changes in academic performance

Changes in behavior or physical appearance

Physical evidence or drug paraphernalia

Changes in sleeping patterns

Changes in friends and family relationships

Changes in appetite

Sudden changes in personal finances

Missing items, i.e. jewelry or money

Risk-taking behaviors such as tobacco or alcohol abuse