Tips for Parents to Help Prevent Drug Use and Abuse

Your child’s attitudes and behaviors about drugs are being developed and shaped right now. As a parent you can do a lot to prevent your child’s possible future use. The time to begin is now.

  1. TALK WITH YOUR CHILD ABOUT ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUGS
    Become knowledgeable and then talk with your child about how alcohol and other drugs can harm people- especially young people. Talk together frequently and clarify any mistaken ideas, such as “everybody drinks” or “marijuana won’t hurt you. “ With your spouse, communicate a clear message about family rules and consequences for use of alcohol and other drugs (including prescription drugs).
  2. LEARN TO REALLY LISTEN TO YOUR CHILD
    Encourage your child to share his or her questions and concerns about alcohol and other drugs. Listen for what is happening in her/his world. Don’t do all the talking or give long lectures.
  3. HELP YOUR CHILD DEVELOP SELF-CONFIDENCE
    Look for the positives in your child and then share them. When correcting, criticize the action, not the child. Praise effort as well as accomplishments.
  4. STRONG VALUES HELP YOUR CHILD DEVELOP
    Communicate your family values and then model them yourself. Teach your child how to make decisions based on these standards of right and wrong. Explain that these are the standards for your family, despite what other families might decide.
  5. BE A GOOD EXAMPLE
    Examine your own habits and attitudes about alcohol and other drugs. Your actions speak louder than words.
  6. HELP YOUR CHILD DEAL WITH PEER PRESSURE
    Discuss the importance of individuality and the meaning of real friendships. Children who have been taught to be gentle and loving may need parental “permission” to assertively say “no” to negative peer pressure. Provide your child with some possible strategies for saying “no”. The two of you can even practice these, so when the time comes, your child is prepared.
  7. MAKE FAMILY RULES THAT HELP YOUR CHILD SAY
    “NO” Discuss with your child your expectations that they will say “no” to alcohol and other drugs. Spell out the consequences of breaking these rules. For example, “My parents said I’d lose my driving privileges if I drink.” Be prepared to follow through.
  8. ENCOURAGE HEALTHY, CREATIVE ACTIVITIES
    Look for ways to get your child involved in satisfying hobbies, school clubs, and other activities that reduce boredom and too much free time. Encourage positive friendships and interests.
  9. TEAM UP WITH OTHER PARENTS
    Work with other parents to build a drug-free environment for your children. When parents join together and take a united stand against drug use, they become more effective than when they act separately. Form a parent peer group with the parents of your children’s friends. The most effective way to stop a child from using drugs is to stop her/his friends from using them too.
  10. KNOW WHAT TO DO IF YOU SUSPECT A PROBLEM
    Realize that no child is immune to the lure of drugs. Learn the telltale signs of alcohol and drug use. Take seriously any concerns you hear from friends, teachers or other kids about your child’s possible drug use. Trust your instinct. If you feel in your gut that something is wrong with your child, it probably is. If there’s a problem, seek professional help.

Similar Posts