Thread by @Agali_GCFR

#Thread:
It was decided to observe 26 June as the International Day against Drug Abuse & Illicit Trafficking as an expression of UN's determination to strengthen action to achieve the goal of an international society free of drug abuse.
Therefore we say #NoExcuse4DrugAbuse.

Building on the success of last year, the theme for 2018 is: "LISTEN FIRST- Listening to children and youth is the first step to help them grow healthy and safe."
#NoExcuse4DrugAbuse

It is an initiative to increase support for prevention of drug use that is based on science and is thus an effective investment in the well-being of children and youth, their families and their communities.
#NoExcuse4DrugAbuse

The next tweets highlights the expected roles of individuals, as we all join hands together to say no to drugs and illegal trading, and also reemphasising that there is #NoExcuse4DrugAbuse

FOR PARENTS:
Parents have the most influence in helping their children grow happy and learn to cope well in difficult life situations.
Even in very difficult circumstances, a strong bond between children and parents can mean less risky behaviours.
#NoExcuse4DrugAbuse

Praise your child for at least ONE
thing he/she is doing right. There is one for sure, even if small. The children of parents that have a warm parenting style & know where their children are & what they are doing, are 5 times less likely to use stimulants.
#NoExcuse4DrugAbuse

Spending even a small amount of time each day giving your child your complete attention can really help.

Set clear rules for behaviour,
focusing on what needs to be done.

#NoExcuse4DrugAbuse

Ask your child what you need to
know: where he/she will be, for how long, with whom & doing what.

LISTEN FIRST
When parents monitor their adolescents closely & have good knowledge about their whereabouts, adolescents are 20% less likely to use hard drugs.
#NoExcuse4DrugAbuse

FOR HEALTH WORKERS

LISTEN FIRST!!

The first step towards an effective therapeutic relationship between health workers and patients is based on listening with sensitivity and empathy.
#NoExcuse4DrugAbuse

Attentive health workers can use easy tools to identify substance use and intervene early, simply and effectively.
#NoExcuse4DrugAbuse

Encourage a change in the adolescent’s environment and activities, rather than focusing on their behaviour as being a “problem”.
#NoExcuse4DrugAbuse

Besides reducing substance use,
brief interventions & motivational interviewing, combined with referral to further services, can yield many other positive outcomes.

LISTEN FIRST

Clarify the confidential nature of
the health care discussion.

#NoExcuse4DrugAbuse

FOR PREVENTION WORKERS

Prevention workers can have a positive influence on children
and youth to help them grow happy and resilient.
Implementing activities based on 'scientific evidence' result in less risky behaviours.
#NoExcuse4DrugAbuse

LISTEN FIRST!
The first step to effective prevention of drug use & other risky behaviours is listening with empathy & care.
Most children & adolescents
will never use drugs, & those who do are often affected by vulnerabilities beyond their control.
#NoExcuse4DrugAbuse

Resilient children and supportive
environments through science based prevention result in less drug use and risky behaviours.
#NoExcuse4DrugAbuse

FOR TEACHERS

Teachers can have a positive influence on children & youth to help them grow happy & resilient.

Even in very difficult circumstances, children who are in school and feel a sense of belonging are less vulnerable to risky behaviours.

#NoExcuse4DrugAbuse

LISTEN FIRST
The first step towards a strong bond between children and teachers is listening with empathy and care.

#NoExcuse4DrugAbuse

Dear Teachers, kindly support the development of the personal and social skills of children through a curriculum of interactive activities.

Kindly create a positive school culture that supports the active participation of students.

#NoExcuse4DrugAbuse

Dear Teachers, provide non-judgemental counselling to the children and youth that need it.

Do everything possible to keep children in school.
#NoExcuse4DrugAbuse

If we LISTEN FIRST, we will prevent some common short-term effects of drug abuse like :

Mood swings.
Impaired judgment.
Coordination issues.
Trouble concentrating.
Memory problems.
Slurred speech.
Uncontrolled eye movements.
Stupor.
Coma.

#NoExcuse4DrugAbuse

If we LISTEN FIRST, we will prevent
Hallucinations, Synesthesia, or mixing of senses, Intensified perceptions, Significant anxiety or depression, Increased heart rate, Heart palpitations, Dilated pupils, Excessive sweating, Tremors, Paranoia.
#NoExcuse4DrugAbuse

Finally, if we LISTEN FIRST, we will prevent the following long term effects:
Alcoholic hepatitis. Liver cancer. Pancreatitis. Cardiomyopathy. High blood pressure. Stroke. Mouth and throat cancer. Breast cancer. Weakened immune system. Suicidal ideation. Etc.
#NoExcuse4DrugAbuse

@threadreaderapp kindly 'unroll'.