PROTECTING YOUR CHILDREN FROM SUBSTANCE ABUSE

No parent wants to believe that their own children are vulnerable to
substance abuse. Often, parents feel unsure about how to raise the
topic, fearing their own lack of knowledge or feeling uncertain of
their ability to have an impact on their children. Parents do,
however, have a critical role to play in preventing their children
from becoming involved with drugs. As intimidating as that may sound,
there are several ways to give your children the right kinds of
messages about drug use, and, surprisingly, many of them are part of
basic, everyday parenting. Here are some things you can do:

Take a good look at your own use of medical and non-medical drugs.
Your drug using behaviour exerts a powerful influence on your
children, even if you believe they are too young to understand.
Parents who frequently use or misuse non-medical drugs such as
alcohol, nicotine, and caffeine, as well as illicit drugs, are sending
the message that drug use is an important way to manage day to day
life. Ask yourself: Am I showing my children the behaviours I want
them to copy when they get older? If I'm not, then how can I change my
drug using behaviour?

Prepare yourself to talk with your kids, at an age-appropriate level,
about drug use. Seek out opportunities to raise the topic yourself,
such as while watching TV with your child or when you're both involved
in a family activity. It's never too early to start a dialogue. A
young child can benefit from discussions about what medicine is and
why they should never take it without a trusted adult's permission and
supervision. An older child may want to know more specifically about
cigarettes, alcohol, and some illicit drugs. A teen may be mainly
curious about illicit drugs. Remember, you don't have to be an expert
to talk meaningfully with your child about drugs.

Resist the urge to lecture, and be prepared to hear your kids out. By
keeping the lines of communication open, your kids should feel as if
they can approach you for advice about most difficult issues. While
you may hear things that you'd rather not, at least your kids are
asking you instead of an unknown and possibly unreliable source!

Help your kids understand that patience and working for a goal is
usually more satisfying in the long run than quick rewards. Popular
culture glamorizes instant, effortless gratification, and mood
altering drugs promise fast fulfillment. Parents can help to
counteract these unrealistic "quick fix" messages by modelling their
own ability to work hard toward goals.

Have a disciplinary style that is firm and consistent, but not
autocratic. Kids need boundaries that are neither too rigid nor too
loose. While home factors are only one facet of a child's drug
problem, kids with problems often come from families where the
discipline is either extremely restrictive or extremely permissive.

Don't be afraid to ask others for advice. Unfortunately, kids don't
arrive with instruction manuals! Asking for help when you're at a loss
is a feature of excellent parenting, not a sign of failure.

The reassuring fact is that most kids grow up without developing
substance abuse problems. However, if you know - or your gut tells you
- - there may be a problem, don't hesitate to call someone for help.

Angela Lawrence is the Drug and Alcohol program coordinator for
School District 73.