IF MOTHER USES DRUGS, OPEN DIALOGUE HELPS KEEP TEENS CLEAN

Research done at the University of Alberta suggests teens whose
mothers use illegal drugs are more likely to avoid drugs if their
moms openly talk about the issue and pressure them to steer clear.

The conclusion is based on a survey of 3,576 Alberta youths from
grades 7 to 12 in 2005.The survey included questions about drug use
and family communication.

"If kids think their mother is using drugs and the mother is not
communicating with them about drug use, than the kids are getting the
message that it's OK to use drugs," said researcher Lori Harach, a
professor of human ecology who presented her findings at a child
development conference in April.

The survey asked teens about their own drug use, whether their mother
used drugs at the time of the survey, and included a variable about
how much pressure their moms put on them to avoid drugs.

Of 2,241 teens who admitted to using drugs at some point, 74 had
mothers who were using and more than half of those youths said their
mothers had not pressured them to avoid drug use.

The findings suggest that it was this lack of pressure that's likely
the reason why those teens dabbled in drugs.

Harach said a second variable, the quality of the mother and child's
relationship, also played a role in teen drug use.

"Kids are much less likely to use drugs if their mothers do not, and
there's high autonomy support," Harach said.

AADAC, now a part of Alberta Health Services, advises parents to
discuss important issues openly and honestly with kids.

"Absolutely communication is important," said Marilyn Thurston,
director of youth services with Alberta Health Services Addiction and
Mental Health. "Parents should have good, open communication with their kids."

Teens should be educated on drugs and it should be done by their
parents, said James Bateman, a psychologist who focuses on youth and addiction.

"I wouldn't send my kid across the street without teaching him how to
cross it, just like I wouldn't send my kid into the world without
them knowing the dangers of drugs," Bateman said.

Harach is using her findings for further research to see how the
quality of relationship between mothers and adolescents can protect
them from peer influence on drug use.