Parents find it hard to bring up the subject of substance abuse when talking with their kids. In this case, “TMI”, or too much information, does not really apply.
Parental involvement is far more crucial than any drug-education class in preventing drug abuse. The article below will cover the many things parents can do in order to raise their children drug-free.
Understanding the Drug Epidemic
Substance abuse comes in many forms. Although alcohol and marijuana are among the most commonly abused drugs by American youths, abuse is not limited to these two substances. The dangers of drugs are numerous, ranging from synthetics to the epidemic in prescription medications. You may save your child’s life by understanding what the substances are, and how they behave.
Drugs like heroin and cocaine are dangerous because the purity can differ depending on whether they're imported or sold by a dealer. The amount of heroin or cocaine that an individual is used to may become fatal when a new batch comes with higher concentrations.
Synthetic drugs are substances like synthetic marijuana, also known as K2 and Spice. There was no law against the chemicals until very recently. They were therefore sold in convenience shops across Canada. This is why many teenagers believe they are harmless. These powerful drugs alter the mind and can cause psychotic episodes, making even those who are otherwise benign suicidal. These drugs are packaged in colorful and bright packaging, which makes them look like candies.
* Teenagers who sell prescription medications at schools and share them at parties are a major problem. Some teens are willing to drive long distances to locate doctors and pharmacies that will fill prescriptions for a small fee. Other teens simply raid their parent's or friend's medicine cabinet, relying heavily on codeine-laced cough syrups to get high.
The chemicals in your home can also be used to get high by teenagers. Among the chemicals that teens use to get high are nitrous oxygen from aerosol cans (“whippets”) as well as glue, nails polish, and freon (from air conditioners). These toxic substances may cause death after only one experiment.
Quality Time
Technician Online's studies show that many children who use drugs are home alone most nights and don't participate in extracurricular activities. Often, the parents of these children are drug addicts themselves.
The opposite is also true. According to a variety of student surveys, when parents participate in events at school, take part in extra-curriculars, and create quality time for their family, they are less likely to encourage children to use drugs or alcohol. It can be as simple as allowing the whole family to interact at a dinner table.
The conversation about drugs does not always have to revolve around somber statistics and chemical formulas. You can educate your children on drugs simply by sharing how alcohol has affected someone you know or a family member, or by sharing personal stories about the effects of drug abuse. Keep the lines of communication open, let your child know that they can ask and talk about questions.
The involvement of parents in treating drug abuse and preventing it is one of the key ways to tackle the issue. Make sure your children are not prone to drug addictions and that they have the education to “say no”. You should be aware of the warning signs and take action if your child appears to be using drugs.
