Talking to your kids about drugs can be uncomfortable for parents. But if you don’t talk to them about it, someone else will. Your kids may be told inaccurate things about drugs, from “everybody is doing it” to “it can’t hurt you” to “I’ve been doing it for years and nothing ever happened to me.”
Parents need to help their kids sort out the facts from fiction. And it’s not too soon to begin. According to the Partnership for a Drug-Free America, the average age that a child first tries alcohol is 12; for marijuana, it’s 13. And many kids start becoming curious about these substances even sooner. So start talking to your kids now.
Here are ten steps to help your child say no to drugs…
1. Talk with your child about alcohol and other drugs.
2. Learn to listen to your child.
3. Help your child feel good about him or herself.
4. Help your child develop strong values.
5. Be a good role model or example in your own use of alcohol, tobacco or other drugs.
6. Help your child deal with peer pressure.
7. Set firm “no use” rules about drinking and other drug use by your children.
8. Encourage healthy, creative activities.
9. Team up with other parents.
10. Know what to do if you suspect a problem.
Here is other helpful information when talking to your children about drugs.
Educate yourself Find out about the issues. Check with local schools, agencies and information services for the resources you will need. Find books at the local library. The more informed you are, the easier it will be to discuss the issues.
Be accessible and open-minded The idea is to open a dialogue. Listen to what your teens have to say. Ask questions and do not judge.
Be clear Your main message should be clearly stated: “don’t use drugs? should be the core theme of your discussions.
Keep it relaxed Avoid the We have to talk? approach. Relax and talk about it over supper or when you’re driving to the mall. If you are casual, it will help your children to be more honest and willing to talk.
Grab opportunities Use teachable moments. If you have just seen a TV show or poster that discusses the issue, use this to allow the discussion to come up naturally.
Discuss peer pressure Talk about ways to say no and how to deal with the pressures to conform and fit in.
Practice what you preach Kids imitate adults. If you abuse drugs yourself, no matter what you tell your teens, your actions speak louder than words. Avoid being a hypocrite and perhaps it is time that you examine your own problem first.
What are general signs and symptoms of drug addiction?
Addiction to any drug may include these general characteristics:
Feeling that you need the drug on a regular basis to have fun, relax or deal with your problems
Giving up familiar activities such as sports, homework, or hobbies
Sudden changes in work or school attendance and quality of work or grades
Doing things you normally wouldn”t do to obtain drugs, such as frequently borrowing money or stealing items from employer, home or school
Taking uncharacteristic risks, such as driving under the influence or sexually risky behavior
Anger outbursts, acting irresponsibly and overall attitude change
Deterioration of physical appearance and grooming.
Wearing sunglasses and/or long sleeve shirts frequently or at inappropriate times
No longer spending time with friends who don’t use drugs and/or associating with known users
Engaging in secretive or suspicious behaviors such as frequent trips to storage rooms, restroom, basement, etc.
Needing to use more of the drug of choice to achieve the same effects
Talking about drugs all the time and pressuring others to use with you
Feeling exhausted, depressed, hopeless, or suicidal
Contact us if you need help or someone you love needs help.