SHOULD PARENTS TELL OF PAST DRUG USE?

Q: My 11-year-old daughter asked me if I had ever used drugs. I was not
prepared for this question and told her I didn't think so. I realize
what a lame response that was but I was really caught off guard. In my
youth I did smoke pot briefly, but I haven't touched drugs or alcohol
since before she was born. We are a very "anti-drug'' family, and I'm
worried that she will question the family values we hold now if I tell
her I used drugs. I would welcome your comments.

Worried Mother

A: My recommendation is to tell the truth. She'll learn more from your
sharing how you developed your values than if you lie. Kids have
special detectors that help them evaluate parents honesty.

Be open about your initial response. "I was not sure what to say when
you asked me. It's not something I am comfortable talking about. We
were unaware of the destructiveness of drugs then." You don't have to
give details.

Explain that marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamines and alcohol all have
a toxic effect on healthy brain functioning. Special brain tomography
scans show decreased blood flow and reduced prefrontal lobe activity
after repeated drug use. Damage often mimics mini-strokes.

Over time, these drugs can cause deficits in learning, visual and
verbal memory, and visual-motor integration. Marijuana use is
associated with problems in memory, learning and motivation. Some
individuals are particularly vulnerable to brain damage from toxic
substances, while others are less so. If a pregnant woman uses drugs
she risks causing permanent neurological damage to the fetus.

The researcher who uses tomography scans to measure brain activity
reports, "After seeing photos of brains damaged by drugs, there's no
way you could get me to use toxic substances."

(snip)

Cathleen Brown is a licensed psychologist. Contact her at
cabrown500@aol.com