Prevention Is Primary

Talking with Kids About Drugs and Recognizing the Indicators

        When talking to your children about drugs the most important thing to do, is not procrastinate.  According to the National Crime Prevention Council as early as forth grade, students begin to have concerns about the pressure to try drugs.  Parents must become actively involved and address these concerns.  Open communication is the most effective tool parents can use in helping to diminish the likelihood of any future drug use.

What Do You Say?

·                    Start with telling your children you love them and want them to be healthy and happy.

·                    State your principles about finding the use of drugs and alcohol unacceptable.  Many parents

             never state this simple fact.

·                    Explain how using drugs can be unhealthy.  Explain how using drugs can cause physical harm

             such as AIDS, slowed growth, coordination, and accidents.  Make sure to talk about the

             emotional harm that using drugs can cause, such as experiencing difficulty in remembering

            things, depression, and uncomfortable feelings.

·                    Discuss how using some drugs can be illegal and talk about the consequences that go along

             with using those substances.

·                    Be sure to discuss healthy alternatives for drug use such as; sports, reading, movies, bike rides,

            hiking, camping, cooking, etc.

How Do You Say It?

·                    Use “teachable moments” that appear in every day life, such as those seen on television, in

            books, and newspapers.

·                    Establish a conversation, rather than delivering a one-time speech.

·                    Remain calm and open, don’t exaggerate, let the facts speak for themselves.

 ·                    Act out scenes with your children where you try to pressure someone to use a drug.

             Discuss how to handle that situation and talk about which ways work best for your child.

·                    Exchange ideas with other parents.

How Can I Tell If My Child Is Using Drugs?

·                    Changes in moods such as; being irritable, secretive, withdrawn, overly sensitive,

            inappropriately angry, and euphoric.

·                    Less responsible such as coming home late or, being late for school.

·                    Changing friends or lifestyle, having new interests or unexplained cash.

·                    Physical deterioration, difficulty in concentration, loss of coordination, loss of weight, or

            unhealthy appearance.

Why Do Kids Use Drugs?

·                    To do what their friends are doing.

·                    To escape pain in their lives.

·                    To fit in.

·                    Boredom.

·                    For fun.

·                    Curiosity.

·                    To take risks.