talking to your child about drugs and alcohol |
Studies show that the earlier children begin to use drugs, the more likely they are to have serious problems in the future. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for 6th graders to be offered alcohol and other drugs.
It's never too soon to begin talking to your kids about alcohol and drugs. Below are a few suggestions:
1. Listen carefully - Student surveys reveal that when parents listen attentively to their children's concerns and feelings, kids feel comfortable talking to them, and are more likely to stay drug-free.
2. Let kids know it's okay to act independently - This is particularly important since peer pressure is a reason kids try drugs. So if everyone in the family except your eight-year-old daughter wants to go on the roller coaster, don't force her to go or insist the entire family skip the ride. Instead, let her know that it's okay to act independently from the group.
3. Role play how to say "no" - Help your child prepare to say "no" to drugs by role playing with them. Take the role of a friend or someone else who is offering them alcohol or other drugs and let your child practice saying "no." You can also help your child prepare to get out of drug-using situations by helping them plan excuses to leave those situations.
4. Provide age-appropriate information - Too many children receive their drug information from outside the home. Nearly two-thirds of children learn about drugs from their friends. As a parent, you need to be able to counteract the misinformation your child may be hearing from their friends ("It can't hurt you...it's never hurt me.") with the facts ("Cocaine can cause heart attacks in young people."). Learn all you can about alcohol and drugs. There are numerous books, pamphlets, websites and vidoes available.
5. Establish a clear family position on drugs - Simply state, "We don't allow any drug use, and children in this family are not allowed to drink alcohol. The only time you can take any drugs is when the doctor or Mom and Dad give you medicine because you are sick. We made that rule because we love you very much and know that drugs can hurt your body and make you very sick; some may even kill you. Does anyone have any questions?"
6. Do the right thing - If your kids see you drinking to excess or taking drugs irresponsibly, it completely undercuts your well-intentioned discussions. So after an exhausting day at work, try not to reach for a beer the minute you walk in the door; it conveys the message that drinking is the best way to unwind. Also, take care not to pop pills indiscriminately - even over-the-counter remedies. Your behavior needs to reflect your belief that drugs and alcohol must be used both responsibly and sparingly.
(Source: Partnership For A Drug-Free America)
80% of high school seniors have used alcohol; in comparison, 65% have smoked cigarettes; 50% have used marijuana; and 10% have used cocaine (National Institue on Drug Abuse, 1999).
Young people who use alcohol and drugs are more likely to be victims or perpetrators of violence, engage in unplanned and unprotected sex, experience school failure, or be seriously injured from driving or engaging in other risky behavior while impaired.
Use of alcohol or other drugs at an early age is an indicator of future alcohol or drug problems; people who begin drinking before age 15 are four times more likely to develop alcoholism than those who begin at 21 (National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism news release, 1/14/98).
Parents can make the difference
Teenagers whose parents talk to them regularly about the dangers of drugs are 42% less likely to use drugs than those whose parents don't, yet only 1 in 4 teens reports having these conversations (Partnership for a Drug-Free America news release, 4/26/99).
Online sources of information for parents and teens:
National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence: www.ncadd.org
- Order their 20-page brochure or video: "What Should I Tell My Child About Drinking?"
- For your adolescent child, order their brochure: "Who's Got the Power? You...Or Drugs?"
Partnership For A Drug-Free America: www.drugfreeamerica.org
- A great resource to help educate the whole family about alcohol and drugs. Info for kids, teens, parents, caregivers, grandparents...and more.
National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information: www.health.org
- Federal resource for information about substance abuse prevention and treatment, offering over 500 items from various government and other educational organizations. Many publications are free of charge.
