As a parent you are your child’s first and best protection against alcohol and other drug use.
You can provide the positive example, guidance, clear rules and love so necessary to help your children grow up free from the problem of drug use. There are no guarantees that your child will choose not to use drugs, but parents play a key role in influencing that decision.
The first step is to become informed yourself. We hope this guide will be the beginning.
“Once I finally figured out why my son had been avoiding my calls, texts, not visiting and constantly cancelling plans with me, I knew he needed help...the type of help that I was not capable of providing. I took my 23 year old 6 foot tall son to the doctor and he weighed 123 pounds. My once handsome and strong boy looked like he was dying. His clothes hung on him, his glassy eyes were sunk in and his temples were somewhat caved in as well. I thought he was going to die. I didn’t know where to turn to for help. Thankfully I found a faith-based addiction ministry that agreed to take him in. I have learned a lot about addiction and I want to share my story in hopes of saving another mother’s child.”
- Pickaway County Parent
Reasons Why Young People Should Not Drink Alcohol
Although drinking alcohol is illegal for adolescents, there are adults who view underage drinking as “innocent, every kid tries it” behavior. Some adults even provide the alcohol. Since growing bodies
Parents Make a Difference
Questions for Parents to Ask Themselves As a parent, you need to be aware of your attitudes and behaviors regarding the use of alcohol and other drugs because these are
When Your Teen Is Going To A Party
Call the host parent. Call to verify the party and offer assistance. Make sure the parent will be present and that alcohol and other drugs will not be permitted. Know
When Your Teen Is Giving A Party
Set the ground rules ahead of time. Let your teen know what you except of her/him as a host. Rules for the party should include the following: Adult supervision No
Facts That Every Parent Should Know About Drug Use
The drug teens are most likely to use and abuse is alcohol. Today’s marijuana is 10-20 times stronger than the marijuana used in the 1960s. Adolescents become addicted to alcohol
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
What Should I Do If I Suspect My Child Is On Drugs?
After going through the preceding checklist, if you are concerned that your child may be using alcohol or other drugs, you must share your concerns with your child. Don’t discuss
Information on Tobacco, Alcohol & Marijuana
Tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana are the drugs that young people use most often. Each of these is destructive in its own right. Plus, the use of any one of them
How Can I Tell if My Child is Using Drugs?
While it is difficult to distinguish typical adolescent behavior from drug-induced behavior, parents should consider possible drug use if they notice several of these changes in their child: Changes in
Information on Prescription Drugs
Since 2007, unintended drug overdoses have exceeded car crashes as the lead- ing cause of accidental death in Ohio. More than 25% of Ohio high school students reported using a
Additional Resources
Need additional resources? Find support groups, law enforcement contacts, and other services.