metro Personal Reflections of a Holocaust Survivor: An interview with a 0 Aron Zoldan I _ _ , , ' . . x 2 i 1, - / 4: : /0 , ' ;': ;1 ; .__ ___IcIeri 1,,z" 1 --r--------i—.—_________ _ „, v,,ry V.;1145.2. 624,1:31 igti . ,.., _ 2 71 ltt.” nrtn Parents can help teens develop strategies for combating peer pressure, such as role playing certain situations and practic- ing various responses. Nancy Reed, a Bloomfield Hills mother of four, said she started working on these issues when her children were in kindergarten. "I would ask them what they would say if a friend encouraged them to do some- thing risky," said Reed. "I wanted it [saying no] to be the first thing off their tongu' Rubin said home drug testing can help kids handle uncomfortable situations. She suggests getting a test kit — from her organization or some police departments — and letting your teen know you plan to test when he comes home. "That way, they can tell their friends they can't use drugs because they are going to be tested:' she said. "It gives them a way out without feeling nerdy, and it's a good deterrent:' Urging kids to follow their instincts S k A f. 1,16S7/13 older r ......... • .. gif 3 t tio o owe sx ■ -- • ,1%; over labo"g`"' h. ( tore Signa h d,ctec ptlIC- Sunday, May 18 11:00am Temple Shir Shalom 3999 Walnut Lake Road, WB Free & Open to the Public Interviewed by Jackie Schwartz of the Holocaust Memorial Center Presented by The Walk for Israel 1907380 10 May 15 • 201z locked container and count the pills on a regular basis. "Kids seem to feel because a doctor pre- scribes a medication, even if was intended for someone else, it can't be dangerous:' Rubin said. "Mixing these drugs with alco- hol can become a deadly dose" According to information posted on the website of the Greater West Bloomfield Community Coalition, an organization devoted to preventing illegal drug and alcohol use and other high-risk behavior, prescription and over-the-counter medi- cations are the most frequently abused drugs among high school seniors, next to marijuana. A 2013 survey conducted by the partnership at Drugfree.org and the MetLife Foundation indicated one in four teens has misused a prescription drug at least once, representing a 33 percent increase from 2008. Stimulants like Ritalin and Adderall were among the most com- monly abused class of drugs. Peer Pressure 1, 1 A r same Teens from page 8 when they are in social situations can help them resist going along with the crowd. Cindy (not her real name) attended a party where most of the other teens were drinking alcohol and smoking marijuana. "My friend and I left because we felt uncomfortable she said, "and we found out later the cops were called to break up the party. We were very thankful we left when we did:" Parents, too, are affected by peer pres- sure. According to Kaplan, parents often follow the path of least resistance to avoid disapproval from other adults, especially when a parent is insecure or lacks self- confidence. Guilt about a divorce or work- ing long hours can lead to giving in to kids' demands. Kaplan has some advice for adults deal- ing with their own form of peer pressure. "Trust your gut:' she said, "and choose not to engage in conversations with people who will pressure you:' She suggests building a support system consisting of other parents you trust, pref- erably those who share similar values. "Ifs also OK to research a subject and say you need time to think about it instead of answering impulsively:' she said. Planning ahead also is useful. Develop an exit plan with your teen and provide money for a taxi should it be necessary. Kaplan said some families have a code word or phrase a teen can use to avoid embarrassment when he wants to be picked up. "Having a teen call and say `I'm ready to go to Meijer with you now' lets the parent know he wants to be picked up without alerting his friends:' Kaplan said. Tricky Tactics Teens can be cunning when it comes to hiding their drug and alcohol use, and parents need to stay one step ahead. A common ploy is filling water bottles with Teens on page 12 Tips For Teens • Use cameras with caution. Not all memories are worth preserving and posting on Facebook or Instagram. Remember, when a photo is taken with someone else's phone or camera, you have no control over where those pictures may end up. Colleges and employers have been known to rescind scholarships or job offers because of inappropriate photos or postings on social media sites. • Do not get into a car with anyone who has been drinking or using drugs. This applies to teens and adults. If a driver, of any age, is impaired, call your parents, another adult or a trustworthy friend to pick you up. If no one is available and you are uncomfortable staying where you are, call a taxi. • Put safety first. If a situation seems risky or causes you discomfort, do not be embarrassed to leave. If your friends invite you to go some- where you know there will not be any adult supervision, don't go. True friends will respect your values and boundaries. • If you think someone may be experiencing alcohol poisoning, get medical help immediately, especially if they have lost consciousness.