TEENS: DRUGS AND ALCOHOL

Parents can play a role to help teens make the best choice

Health Notes

Taking risks is a natural and necessary part of being a teenager. However,
risk-taking in teens can often involve experimenting with alcohol, marijuana
and other drugs leaving parents and caregivers feeling anxious and
unprepared.

Parents and caregivers are often unsure how to begin to talk about alcohol
and drugs or how to deal with some of the things they may hear from their
teen. Although it may feel uncomfortable, it is important to take steps to
help prepare your teen to deal with the pressures of alcohol and drug use.

According to the 2003 Ontario Student Drug Use Survey, alcohol and marijuana
rank as the first and second drugs of choice for Ontario students in Grades
7 to12.

The survey showed that 66.2% of students reported having used alcohol and
29.6% of students reported having used marijuana in the 12 months before the
survey.

In addition, 66% of students surveyed indicated that alcohol was easy to get
and 51% said that marijuana was easy to get if they wanted it. The data also
showed that students perceive there is less risk surrounding the use of many
drugs, especially marijuana.

Given that many teens have reported trying alcohol and drugs, parents and
caregivers need to know that they play an important role in shaping their
teenagers attitudes towards drug use.

Here are some things parents and caregivers can do to help their teen make
the best choices for themselves:

* Educate yourself. Don't rely only on what you have heard. Get correct
information about alcohol and drugs. Contact the Health Department at
905-825-6000 (1-866-442-5866) or visit Information for Parents.

* Talk to your teen. Share your values and beliefs and discuss the
consequences of alcohol and drug use. You may not like some of the things
you hear, but it is important to keep talking.

* Set a good example. Parents and caregivers are one of the greatest
influences on whether or not their child will use drugs or alcohol. Always
use alcohol and drugs responsibly.

* Encourage involvement in activities. Keep your teen busy with activities
that they like such as sports, volunteering, or music and dance classes.
Teens who feel good about themselves are less likely to abuse drugs and
alcohol.

* Develop a plan for when your teen goes out. Include who they are going out
with, who will be there, how they will get there and arrive safely home, and
if necessary, who to call for help.

* Set fair rules and be consistent. Set reasonable consequences for
unacceptable behaviour and consistently carry them out.

* Get to know your teen's friends and their parents. Staying connected with
your teen includes getting to know who they are spending time with and their
families.

There are risks associated with any use of alcohol or drugs. Parents and
caregivers must take the time to help teens be prepared so they can make
informed decisions and be better able to handle themselves in difficult
situations.