Over the course of a day each of us is asked to make a variety of decisions. Some may be as simple as deciding "Do you want fries with that?" Some may be more difficult, "Just try it, everybody else is." While you cannot prepare for every decision you are asked to make, there are some you can.

If you have not yet been offered drugs, you will be. You need to make up your mind right now that your answer will be "no." No matter who is asking, or what your friends are doing, the answer is always "no."

At this stage of your life, every door leading to your future is open. If you choose to do drugs, these doors begin to slam shut, limiting the directions you can go socially, scholastically and economically.

The purpose in sponsoring this calendar is to offer support to Vanderburgh County students to stay drug and alcohol free. At the back of the calendar, you will find the phone numbers of organizations that do care. If you need help, please call them.

To the hundreds of sixth, seventh, and eight grade Vanderburgh County students who contributed their time and talents to share the message of drug and alcohol-free life, we dedicate this 1999 calendar.

Stanley M. Levco
Vanderburgh County Prosecutor

Vanderburgh County Substance Abuse Services:

Vanderburgh County Prosecutor's Office Drug Law Enforcement Program- 812-435-5110

Evansville Police Department Narcotics Unit- 812-436-7917

Vanderburgh County Sheriff's Department Narcotics Unit- 812-435-5713

Indiana State Police Narcotics Unit- 812-425-2266

Drug Enforcement Administration- 812-465-6457

Indiana State Police Major Drug Section (Indianapolis)- 317-247-1852 or 1-800-735-7416 ext. 9286

Drug & Alcohol Deferral Service (DADS)- 812-435-5775

Drug Crisis Referral Center- 812-464-7710

Narcotics Anonymous- 812-422-5300

Alcoholics Anonymous- 812-464-2219

Warning Signs of Substance Abuse:

1. Loss of interest in activities, significant drop in school or work performance, lack of motivation and enthusiasm.
2. Personality changes. An "I don't care" attitude, irritability, hostility, paranoia, over-reaction to criticism, secretiveness, drop in normal family warmth.
3. Change in personal habits, values and friends; friends who won't identify themselves.
4. Physical decline: weight loss, neglect of appearance, acting intoxicated, pale complexion, change in vitality and sleep patterns.
5. Reduced memory, concentration and attention span.
6. Smell of marijuana (sweet, brunt odor) in room, on clothes, etc. or attempt to disguise it with cigarettes, beer, room deodorizer, incense, etc. Visine for red eyes.
7. Physical evidence: roach (butt) or roach holder (clip) from a joint, rolling papers, seeds or leaves, pipes or "bongs," devices for hiding the "stash," such as cans with false bottoms, other drug paraphernalia and magazines.
8. Disappearances of items of value or money from home, unexplained drain on finances; items missing from medicine cabinet.