IT'S IMPERATIVE PARENTS TALK TO KIDS ABOUT DRUGS

It's never too early to start educating your children about the dangers and
effects of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs.

Consider these alarming facts:

More 12- to 17-year-olds named drugs as the most important problem they
face (more than social pressures, violence, and crime) for the fourth
straight year.

By age 13, half the nation's teens say they can buy marijuana; 43 percent
say they can also buy acid, cocaine, or heroin.

Marijuana use among teen-agers is on the rise. Adolescents ages 12 to 17
who use marijuana more than once weekly are nine times more likely than
non-users to experiment with other illegal drugs and alcohol; six times
more likely to run away from home; five times more likely to steal; nearly
four times more likely to engage in violence; and three times more likely
to have thoughts about committing suicide.

Cigarette smoking has increased dramatically among young people. The rate
of adolescents, ages 12 to 17, first trying cigarettes increased by 30
percent, and those smoking daily increased by 50 percent between 1988 and 1996.

Teen substance abuse cuts across all income levels, racial, and ethnic lines.

Youth give five main reasons for using alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drug:

To feel grown up.

To fit in and belong.

To relax and feel good.

To take risks and rebel.

To satisfy curiosity.

It is a simple but proven fact - young people are much less likely to use
drugs when they have something positive to do and when caring adults are
involved in their lives. In fact, most teens who don't use alcohol, tobacco
or other illegal drugs credit their parents for their decision.

Parents are in a critical position, and possess a unique power to help
their children stay healthy and drug free.

Most parents agree that it isn't hard talking to their children about drugs
once they know what to say and how to say it. Here are some ways parents
can develop an open and communicative relationship with their children:

Establish and maintain good communication.

Make clear rules. Then enforce the rules with consistency and mild
consequences.

Be a positive role model.

Appreciate the fact that each child is different.

Help children deal with peer pressure and clarify media messages that may
trivialize drug use.

Monitor your children's activities.

Don't respond to problems, prevent them.

Parents who are actively involved in their children's lives can and do
positively influence their successes in school and encourage involvement
with appropriate friends.

Furthermore, parents can guide children away from from risky situations,
dangerous behaviors, and negative peer influence.

All parents need to learn how to communicate effectively with their kids
about the effects of alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drugs. However, many
parents find it very difficult. Regardless, it is critical for parents to
sit down regularly with their children and talk about alcohol, tobacco, and
other drugs along with other issues that are vital to their children's good
health and future.