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A Parent's Guide for Preventing Drug Abuse

Can Parent's Prevent Drug Abuse?

A Quick List For Parent's:

10 steps to help your child say no to alcohol and other drugs

1. TALK with your child about alcohol and other drugs. You can help change the idea that your child might have that "everybody drinks, smokes, or uses other drugs."
2. LEARN to really listen to your child. Your child is more likely to talk with you when you give verbal and nonverbal clues that show you are listening.
3. HELP your child feel good about himself or herself. Your child will feel good when you praise efforts, as well as accomplishments, and when you correct by criticizing the action rather than the child.
4. HELP your child develop strong values. A strong value system can give your child the courage to say "no" rather than seeking the acceptance of friends above all else.
5. BE a good role model or example. Your habits and attitudes may strongly influence your child's ideas about alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs.
6. HELP your child deal with pressure. A child who has been taught to be gentle and loving may need your permission to say "no" to negative peer pressure.
7. MAKE family rules. It's helpful when you make specific family rules about your child not using alcohol and other drugs and not smoking cigarettes; and, tell your child the punishment for using them.
8. ENCOURAGE healthy, creative activities. Hobbies, school events, and other activities may prevent your child from using drugs out of boredom.
9. TEAM UP with other parents. You can join other parents in supportive groups that will reinforce the guidance you provide at home.
10. KNOW what to do if you suspect a problem. You can learn to recognize the typical signs of alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use and get help.

Parent's Denial Checklist

1. Does your child have red eyes some of the time? Does he or she have their own supply of eye drops?
2. Are you ignoring changes in your child's behavior, or in grades?
3. Do you attribute unacceptable behavior to "growing up", or "just being a kid"?
4. Do you blame your spouse for your child's problems?
5. Do you listen to your spouse or those outside the family when they suggest that your child may have a problem with drugs, or do you just get mad at the accuser?
6. Are you feeling like a failure as a parent?
7. Do you believe your child when he or she says that they drug paraphernalia is his or her room belongs to a friend?
8. If you are a working parent, do you blame yourself for your child's problems because you are not at home?
9. If you went into your child's room right now, would you find any sign of drugs? What would you do if you did?
10. Are you blaming divorce or the absence of one parent in the home for your child's behavior?
11. Are you feeling anxious about the problems your child is having adjusting to growing up?
12. Has your child admitted trying marijuana? Will he or she talk about it?
13. Does he or she admit to using "only" pot? Do you believe him or her?