Tips For Protecting Your Kids From Drug and Alcohol Abuse

Drug and alcohol abuse is reported in a staggering number of teens each year. Sadly, children these days are more exposed to drugs and alcohol than ever before, which is usually distributed during parties or other gatherings. There are many factors behind drug and alcohol abuse in children, including peer pressure, depression, stress relief or pure curiosity. Whatever reason it may be, parents should exercise caution to ensure that the future of their children is not negatively affected by illegal substances. Here’s what ya need to know.

Communication
Teenagers often resort to outside influences whenever their families are not open to discussions. As a parent, you should allot time to talk to your kids, even during busy work days. It is important for them to feel that they can talk to you whenever they have problems bothering them. This doesn’t mean you should always try to talk about substance abuse – on the contrary, talk about anything and everything. This way, whenever an opportune moment emerges regarding the risks of drinking and driving or the dangers of consuming drugs, it will come naturally. Always prioritize your role as a parent over your role as a friend though – this is very important to remember.

Confrontation
Conversations are a much healthier medium than confrontations. If you have reason to believe your child is taking any substance – whether LSD or marijuana, talk to them but don’t yell or judge. Instead, educate them and ask questions. Communicate the fact that you care and that you have expectations. If your child is not opening up to you about it or curving the conversation, seek the help of a therapist specializing in adolescent problems.

Good Examples

If a child’s parents (or their friends) are drunk all the time or smoking pot, they are more likely to do the same. Make sure you maintain a healthy, drug- and alcohol-free family. Many families have already been affected by someone close to them who is taking drugs and alcohol. If you have relatives that have experienced the consequences of drug or alcohol abuse, make sure your children understand it – meaning what happened, why and the consequences of their behavior.

Protecting your kids from drug and alcohol abuse can require a great amount of effort. Though it may be difficult, it does pay off in the long run. Kids are not solely responsible for fulfilling dreams and goals – you have to help the, and that can sometimes mean laying down the law or dealing with uncomfortable moments.

Becca Richmond writes about health, addiction and parenting at the Bow Creek & Bella Vista Recovery Centers.

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Crystal

I'm Crystal. I'm married to Dale, and mother to Johnny.Some might say that my life is perfect because I get to do all the cliché wife things like cooking, cleaning, and decorating - but there's more! I also have many hobbies including needlework (crochet), sewing, and reading. My son's education is important, so we homeschool him together.

4 comments on “Tips For Protecting Your Kids From Drug and Alcohol Abuse”

  1. Excellent tips and thanks for discussing this problem. I’m shocked with the statistics and the number of teens abusing alcohol or drugs. I totally agree with you on the last tip. Giving a good example is critical. Some parents drink all the time or use drugs in front of their children and expect them to be alcohol and drug free. They think it’s enough to tell their kids that something is wrong and do the same thing they advised their children not to do!.

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