THE DRUG DEAL

My Child Would Never Do That

Many a time I have received a telephone call from a distraught parent
that their child has gotten involved in drugs, looking for some help.
In some cases, the drugs have been found in the home; in other cases
the parent has 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 of 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 may 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, that minister, the postal
worker etc. have experienced and the list goes on.

Drug use affects everyone, with victims ranging in age, sex, race,
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'.

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, the child 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.