TIPS FOR PARENTS ON SUBSTANCE ABUSE

25 Tips Parents Should Know About Substance Abuse to commemorate the 25th
Anniversary of the Palmer Drug Abuse Program:

1. Alcohol and drugs are powerful. They cause more physical and
emotional damage in young people's lives at a faster rate than adults.

2. You cannot isolate your child from this issue. Social tolerance of
drug use is far more prevalent than when you were a teenager.

3. Good parents can end up with a child on drugs. Don't let shame or
embarrassment stop you from asking questions and seeking help. In most
cases you did not do this to them.

4. No one is immune. Just because your child is involved in church,
sports or gets good grades doesn't mean he/she won't abuse drugs or
alcohol.

5. Teenagers are peer oriented. Positive peer pressure can be just as
powerful as negative peer pressure.

6. Educate yourself. The more you know about drugs and alcohol, you'll
be better equipped to respond.

7. Marijuana is far more potent than it was 20 years ago. Just because
you tried it and turned out okay, does not mean your child will be
okay.

8. Many over-the-counter medications and various household products
can be used to get high. These include cold and flu medications,
aerosol deodorants, and even alkaline batteries.

9. If your child experiments with cigarette smoking, it does not mean
he/she will progress to drug & alcohol abuse, but it should open a
dialogue about the subject.

10. Consider the long-term effects of substance abuse?and the message
you are sending?before allowing your child to have a drink or smoke
cigarettes in your presence.

11. Substance abuse starts with a bad choice, but continues for other
reasons. Chemical dependency is an illness. Respond to it as such.

12. Don't take it lightly! Experimenting with alcohol & drugs is not a
part of normal adolescent behavior.

13. If you suspect your child may be using alcohol or other drugs
don't be afraid to act. In the beginning an over reaction is far
better than doing nothing.

14. When a child starts using, they stop maturing emotionally and
socially.

15. Standard parenting and discipline techniques may not be the best
way to deal with substance abuse.

16. Don't be afraid to pursue the issue. Searching rooms,
confrontation and setting limits is okay. Hard evidence is not
necessary to seek an assessment.

17. You can't rationalize with an irrational person. If your child is
using, chances are they are irrational.

18. A drug screen is not always conclusive. They can be easily tainted
and only test for certain substances.

19. Focusing on "why" keeps you in the problem and does not provide
solution.

20. There is a difference between enabling and helping. Let your child
experience natural consequences.

21. Substance abuse affects the entire family. Research shows that
there is an 80% greater chance of success in recovery when the family
is actively involved throughout the process.

22. Communicate with other parents. You'll find that your situation is
not unique, and that recovery is possible.

23. Communication involves listening. Try actively listening to your
child rather than "fixing" them.

24. It's never too soon to get help. Early intervention can and does
work.

25. Seek a professional opinion. They can provide an objective
assessment. The Palmer Drug Abuse Program provides free and
confidential assistance at 227-2634.