RAISING DRUG-FREE KIDS

No parent likes to admit that their child may be abusing drugs. Often to
avoid this, parents go to covering up, enabling or denying that problems
exist. Mostly, they do this out of love.

Parents can take positive steps to lower their child's risks. But they must
become informed about drugs. Gateway drugs, like tobacco, alcohol and
marijuana, are so-called because they introduce the user to stronger drugs.
Not all proceed to stronger drugs, but some do. Other drugs include
amphetamines, barbiturates, cocaine, heroin and hashish. Find out what drug
paraphernalia looks like.

Prescription drugs, like Ritalin and Prozac, need to be closely monitored.
Inhalants are commonly found right in your own home.

Combinations of alcohol and drugs and excesses of any drug can be deadly.

Parents must be clear about family rules and set age-appropriate
consequences for breaking rules.

Openly discuss the fairness of rules, enforce consistently and review
periodically. Keep communication flowing - get to know their feelings about
drugs. Teach your child how to say "No" to drugs, by role-playing. Saying
"No, I have other things to do today" and then walking away, gives your
child a tangible tool.

Parents can be positive role models. Parents need to evaluate their own
values and views on drugs. With a culture that has grown up with easy
access to drugs, it is easy to rationalize their use.

Openly discuss drug use with your child. When facing life's struggles,
whether quitting smoking or trying to lose weight, it is okay for your
child to see that failing is an opportunity for learning. It will make it
easier for them to share their struggles with you.

Set a good example on using prescription medicine. If you take drugs for
mild aches and pains, your child learns that all pain needs to be
suppressed. Medication to children should be dispensed by an adult.

Demonstrate responsible alcohol use. Children should never mix or serve
alcohol to guests. Children should never be served alcohol. Show positive
ways to deal with stress - physical exercise, talking out problems and
lifestyle changes.

If you suspect that your child is abusing drugs, it requires tough
parenting. It may require parents to actively propel their child into
treatment. Children using drugs can con, lie and steal to support their
habit. Trained counsellors can help to establish an effective treatment
plan. Parents play an active role in treatment.

A sad reality is that drugs are easily accessible to children. Schools,
homes and streets are not drug-free zones. Courage is needed to help your
child.

Know the Signs

* Excessive influence by peers * Withdrawal or isolation; * Aggressive or
hostile behaviour; * Valuable belongings missing - drugs are expensive; *
Evidence of drug paraphernalia, rolling papers, pipes, knives, eye-drops; *
Physical changes like red eyes, runny nose, not due to a cold, frequent
sore throats.