THERE'S 'PREVENTION POWER' IN EARLY EDUCATION

If you're a parent, you've likely worried -- or may someday worry --
that your children will use drugs. You may even hope against hope
they don't start.

But hope alone can't ease that concern. Talking can.

Right now is a good time to take up the topic and start your kids on
the road to some good decision-making. Parents have more influence
than they realize over whether or not their kids will use drugs.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, children who
learn about the risks of drug abuse from their parents or caregivers
are 36 percent less likely to smoke marijuana, 50 percent less
likely to use inhalants and 56 percent less likely to use cocaine.

So how do you start the conversation? Parents may be cautious about
not pestering their children. But educating your children about
drugs and alcohol is not pestering -- it is parenting.

First, consider the timing. What is the appropriate age to introduce
the topic of drugs and abuse? It may surprise parents that
discussions probably should start as early as elementary school.
Kids get information early and often from many sources. They also
repeat what they see and hear. Your own use of tobacco, drugs and
alcohol will not go unnoticed.

And one discussion is not sufficient. Keep the topic on your kids'
minds -- all the time. Ongoing discussion from elementary school all
the way up to high school graduation and beyond is optimal.

Second, keep the facts handy. Children need to know what's true and
what's myth about drugs. For example, the physical effects of
inhalants can include hearing loss and damage to the central nervous
system, brain, liver and kidneys.

When it comes to alcohol, consider this: Alcohol is the leading
cause of depression. It can also increase risk of heart failure,
stroke, high blood pressure and many other medical problems -- even
cirrhosis of the liver. And mixing can be harmful -- even fatal.
More than 150 medications can interact harmfully with alcohol.

Third, remember that talking alone is not enough. Be involved with
your children's lives. Praise good behavior and let your children
know how much they are loved and valued. Set limits with clear rules
and consequences for their actions.

Know what your children are doing, get to know their friends and be
aware of how they are spending their time. Even if your children do
not like you keeping close tabs on their activities, do it anyway.
It is merely good parenting.

Children are more likely to be tempted to use drugs and alcohol when
they are not feeling good about themselves. Be alert to how your
children's moods and keep communication lines open at all times. If
you notice any changes in your child's behavior, choice of friends
or a downward trend in their grades, take action. Question your
children about what is going on. Talk to their school counselor and
other adults who have contact with them such as a youth group leader
or soccer coach. If a drug problem is established, get professional
help as soon as possible.

While nothing is foolproof, talking with your kids about the dangers
of drugs and alcohol abuse can go a long way toward helping them
make good decisions. It also arms them with information they can
pass along to their friends, too.