My Child Would Never Do That

THE DRUG DEAL

Many a time I have received a telephone call from a distraught parent
whose child has gotten involved in drugs. They call looking for some help.

In some cases, the drugs have been found in the home. In other cases
the parent has a strong suspicion, but no tangible proof.

As parents, we must go back to school and learn a few important
points. A strong knowledge base of drugs abuse, current trends and
attitudes is vital. Then we have the other half of the equation
involving the actual communication with the child.

'This doesn't apply to me', you might say, 'my kid would never try the stuff.'

Wrong.

Pick up the paper, read the news.

Stories abound about addiction and the resulting ruination that this
doctor, the minister, the postal worker etc. have experienced. And
the list goes on. Drug use affects everyone, with victims ranging in
age, sex, race, and financial status; there are no bounds.

Once an individual came up to an information booth I had and said,'I
don't need any information, I don't use drugs.'

Maybe not, but I'm willing to bet that someone the person knows has
been affected either directly or indirectly by drugs or alcohol. How
can you advise others if you don't know yourself?

Most young people do not use or abuse drugs, but they are being
called on to make their first decisions about them at an increasingly
early age. Many are offered drugs before their teens, so it is
important for parents to reach their children before that happens.

Teaching young people to make decisions about drugs is not just the
responsibility of the schools, government agencies or the police. As
parents, you are in the driver's seat because you know your children
better than anyone. You are in the best position to listen to them,
and to provide advice, discipline and support.

Make no mistake, the drugs are there and those bent on getting your
children hooked and making a fast buck lurk on the sidelines.

This is where you can make a huge difference to your child's future.

All youth are at risk, especially those that are more likely to
succumb to the peer pressure, not yet mature or responsible enough to
stand up for themselves and say 'No'.

So what can parents do?

An adolescent's drive for independence does not mean that they need
you any less than they always have. Your role has to evolve from
controller and protector to guide, listener and coach. If you can
foster a growing sense of confidence, children will ultimately rely
on their own skill and judgment.

At the same time, you have to respect their right to learn from
mistakes and avoid a command and control approach.

We all know that no matter how hard you work at influencing your
child in a positive way, there are cases of rebellion where drug use
becomes the outlet for the individual's frustrations.

You can learn the key points to recognizing drug use and the
strategies for prevention by attending a drug education information
session for all parents regardless of your child's age, on February
13th at Mealy Mountain Collegiate at 7 p.m.

We will discuss these issues, along with warning signs and how to
attack the problem of drug use. It promised to be an interesting
session so please consider attending.