Smoke Signals January 1994
Page 4
HEALTH AND WELLNESS
Client From Nanitch
Sahallie Gives Thanks
I have been in treatment at Nanitch Sahallie for the
last month and a half. In that time I have learned many new
tools on recovery and the right road to sobriety. I feel the
program is a very honest programand you can get a lot out
of the program if you want your own well-being. I have
learned many things about my addiction, things I can use to
control my disease because for so long alcoholism was a
disease that controlled me. I have learned how to express my
feelings in a positive way to help myself out I am highly
appreciative of this program and recommend it to other
teenagers.
The schooling is very good. The teachers did all
they could to get me more into my schooling, even had me
take a GED pretest. I passed the pretest fairly easily, and they
are still urging me to go over to the college and take the real
one. But I want to get my diploma.
Also during my stay I have learned a lot about my
culture. I had to complete a tribal report on my Tribe. And
the staff brought in many different people to teach us clients
how to do arts and crafts things such as medicine bags,
moccasins, and different kinds of beadwork. We had a
drummer come in and teach us traditional and modern songs
of the drum. WeVe also learned the beginning steps of
dancing, whether it be traditional, fancy, or cowhop. I myself
find this very enjoyable, and put a lot of effort into learning
as did the other clients.
Some other clients and myself got to go over to a
public school and speak. We went to Bush Elementary and
spoke to kids about life and shared about our culture and
about drugs and alcohol. To me that was one of my greatest
turn-around points, to share with a group of kids. This was
a step of courage and hope so maybe what I went through
would open a few eyes and a life could be saved.
For all of this, I thank Nanitch Sahallie and all of
the counselors and staff members who supported me the
whole way through.
Always,
(Name Withheld)
P.S.On to a clean and sober life.
A Risk Checklist For
Your Child
Circle each of the following that apply to your child or
children.
Is one or more of the child's parents an alcoholic?
Whenyourchildwas 5,6, or 7 years old, was heshe difficult
to control or aggressive?
Does your child choose to share thoughts and feelings with
anyone in the family regularly?
Is there heavy recreational drinkingdrug use in your
household, and do adults involve children by asking them to
get a beer or light a cigarette?
Are your child's whereabouts, the way heshe spends time,
and friends a mystery to you?
Is punishment inconsistent or extremely harsh when your
child breaks a rule?
Do household members use illegal drugs around your
children?
Did your child fail to achieve in school when heshe was 9,
10, or 11 years old?
Does your child strongly dislike school or have a poor
attendance record?
Did your child begin to use drugs or alcohol before the age
of fifteen?
Has your child become isolated from the family andor
cynical about your own involvement in family or school
activities?
Has your child been involved in delinquent behavior which
has resulted in suspension or expulsion from school?
Does your child have close friends who use alcohol and
drugs? "
Does your child express the view that it is OK to use alcohol
and drugs?
After you circle each that apply to your child, add
them up. The higher the number, the greater the risk that
your child will develop problems with alcohol and drugs. But
remember, these are only statistical probabilities. The
presence of many risk factors doesnt condemn your children
to be drug abusers, nor does a low score mean they will be
free of problems. The risk check is intended simply to alert
you to pay attention to these factors and remember to make
the extra effort to help your children stay alcohol and drug-free.
Let's Talk Teeth...
Is Your Teen Having A Party? Set Down Some Guidelines!
WIIEN YOU ARE OUT OF TOWN
Homes where parents are absent are the most
frequent party sites and things can get out of control quickly.
Even a responsible teen can be overwhelmed once the action
starts. When you must be out of town:
Inform your teenager of hisher responsibilities and the
consequences of hisher actions.
If possible, have a responsible adult live in your home
during your absence. Explain to this person your family
policy and rules for parties.
Inform the neighbors of your absense. Request they
contact you or a responsible adult-even the police, if a party
occurs.
Let the parents of your teen's friend know of your absence.
Cooperation is both essential and productive.
If a party is held, find out who attended and contact their
parents as' soon as possible.
WHEN YOUR TEEN IS GIVING A PARTY
Plan in advance. Check party plans with your teenager and
know who the guests will be. Limited numbers and written
invitations can curb an "open party" situation. Set definite
time limits.
Agree to the rules ahead of time. Possible rules could be:
No drugs or alcohol
No leaving the party then returning
No "crashers"
Have certain rooms in home "off limits"
Know your responsibilities. The responsible adult at a
teenager's party must be visible and aware. Remember it is
illegal to provide drugs or serve alcohol (including beer and
wine coolers) to anyone under 21.
Plan some activities.
Have plenty of food and non-alcoholic drinks.
WHEN YOUR TEEN IS ATTENDING A PARTY
Knowwhereyourteenagerwillbe. Obtain names, addresses
and telephone numbers.
Agree to a curfew beforehand.
Know howyour teenager will get to and from the party, and
make sure your child understands that heshe is under no
circumstances to accept a ride from someone who has been
drinking alcohol or using drugs. Reinforce this belief often.
By Linda Mann, RDH
Is losing your jaw
worthadip? Smokeless tobacco,
otherwise known as chew or
snuff can cause a variety of
mouth problems including
receding gums, tooth wear, and
worst of all, mouth or throat
cancer. The following poem is
a true story. If you chew, take
heed. This could happen to you.
A PINCH OF TROUBLE
As I sit writing, I think back on the day
My girlfriend came over, I can still hear her say,
"You think that by dipping snuff from a can
that all those around you think you're a man."
"But let me tell you, straight and direct,
As long as you chew, we will never connect
That stuff turns my stomach, and I'm sick of your spit
Since you wont stop, I guess 111 just split."
That wasnt enough, losing my girl,
It had to be me, a man of the world.
Like Walt Garrison and his pals on T. V.
Chewing tobacco came easy for me.
So I reached in my pocket and pulled out my can
And beat it three times in the palm of my hand.
That packed it tight, then I reached down inside,
And pinched some tobacco with style and pride.
I pushed the wad down real tight in my lip
And put the tin can right back onto my hip.
But after a while things turned for the worse.
I couldnt get dates, man, I thought I'd been cursed.
My lips they felt numb and my gums they turned white,
That was the pits, I quit chewing that night.
But my gums they got better and my lips they felt swell
So I bought a new can, oh what the hell!
My story's not over, Tve just cleared the hump,
For after a while I developed a bump.
Not painful at first but on the tip of my tongue,
I didnt worry yet because I was so young.
Like the white spots before it, I thought it would pass
So I kept dipping, it was such a blast
Then two months later, such a short spell
The bump, it grew bigger and my mouth went to hell.
So I went to the doctor, I remember the day.
He said, "Son, I am sorry for what I must say.
Fact is, you've got cancer and if s quite advanced.
But if we operate now, perhaps there's a chance."
So I entered the hospital, it was quarter to five,
and four hours later, they knew Td survive.
That brings me to why I wrote you this verse.
fm here to tell you, chewing tobacco's a curse.
My friends in school, my friends so young
It's true, I survived, but they took out my tongue.
So all I can say is get rid of that chew,
Get off your CAN and become the real you.