|
Teen Drug Abuse - Prevention & Intervention
 What
Parents Can Do
Preventing drug abuse really begins with preventing drug use.
Construction communication is one of the most effective tools you can use
in helping your child avoid drug use. Regular two-way communication
shows your child that he or she means a great deal to you.
What to Communicate
- The facts about how drugs harm people -
especially young people. This includes physical harm - slowed or
warped growth, impaired coordination; social harm - mental
disconnection, loss of friendships, loss of interest; and educational
harm - poorer grades, more difficulty studying.
- You do not find drugs acceptable.
Many children say their parents never stated this simple principle.
- That you place high value on your
child's good, special qualities - qualities that drugs can and will
destroy or diminish.
- The power to say no - help your child
learn to say no.
HOW to Communicate
- Calmly and openly - discuss things
frankly and without anger. The facts are chilling in and of
themselves.
- Challenge drugs, not friends -
challenging friends leads to defensive and defiant behavior.
- Teachable moments - instead of a long
lecture, use current events, TV shows, to discuss situations. Make
one point. Ask your child how he or she could have responded.
- Ongoing dialogue - don't use one massive
lecture. Anti-drug messages should be an ongoing point.
Repeat often.
- Be creative! Act out several ways
your child may be introduced to drugs. Figure out two or three
ways to handle each situation and talk about which is best.
- Know your child's friends - be involved.
- Establish limits and stick to them.
Set curfews.
- Be awake when your child returns home
and be available to talk with him / her.
- Set a good example. Your kids do
as you do. Be a good role model.
- Plan alcohol-free parties with your
teen.
- Give kids the information they need to
know to do the right thing. Talk to them about how to refuse
alcohol.
Why is Drug Use a Problem for Teens?
It gets in the way of:
- Developing social skills - learning to
listen, express yourself, carry on a conversation. This is what it
takes to develop a relationship.
- Discovering new interests - biking,
music appreciation, learning a hobby. Compared to fleeting
"pleasures" of drugs, other activities can bring real and lasting
satisfaction.
Warning Signs
- Physical decline
- Loss of interest in family activities
- Disrespect for family rules
- Bloated appearance
- Secretiveness
- Bloodshot eyes
- Withdrawal from responsibilities
- Slurred speech
- Anger at or about parents
- Loss of weight
- Sudden increase or decrease in appetite
- Sloppy dressing
- Disappearance of valuable items and/or
drugs from house
- Has unexplained money or always asking
for money
- Sudden drop in grades
- Avoids contact with old friends
- Truancy
- Lies about activities
- Loss of interest in learning
- New friends use drugs
- Unrealistic attempt to excel
- Unexplained mood swings and behavior
- Defiant of authority
- Negative & argumentative
- Poor attitude toward sports or other
extracurricular activities
- Paranoid
- Loss of energy
- Overreacts to criticism
- Reduced memory and attention span
|
