Discoveries for Parents
Tips for Parents: What you can do about Alcohol and Drug Use among Adolescents
Stay in touch with your teen and help prevent abuse
Related link: http://www.drugabuse.gov
- Be a good Role Model
Take an honest look at your own use of alcohol and drugs, including prescription drugs. What example do children see in your home?
The quick fix – “I need a drink to relax after a difficult day”
The escape from discomfort – “Sleeping pills help me relax so I
can sleep at night
The desirability of social lubricants – “I can talk to people more
Easily when I have had a few drinks”
These are all messages that speak loudly to children and are reinforced continuously in our society.
- Learn as much as you can
Learn as much as you can from reliable source about the local drug scene and the effects of alcohol and other drugs. Talk with your child about what you are learning. Expect him/her to know as much as or more than you do. Expect questions about facts and some differences of opinion.
- Set and Enforce clear rules
Be clear about your expectations and rules. Expect challenges; be ready to explain why the rules are important. Be clear about which rules are negotiable and which are non-negotiable, and then enforce them. For example: a curfew can be negotiated for a special event; going to a party where there is no adult supervision is not negotiable.
- Know your child’s friends, network with their parents
Get to know your child’s friends, who they hang out with at school, after school and on weekends. Meet and talk with their parents. Share your expectations about behavior as well as information about the local drug/alcohol scene. Communicate about rules and keep messages among adults clear in order to limit peer pressure. (Susie’s mom let’s her…). Work together to plan supervised activities.
- Maintain an Open Dialogue
Examine your family interactions. Do you listen to your child? Do you demonstrate your love, pride and concern? Can you talk to each other about important topics? Creating special times when you are available to talk to your child about what’s going on in their life will help to keep communication open.
- Understand Adolescence
Understand the normal changes and pressures your child will experience during adolescence. Talk to your child about friendships, making decisions, substance use, peer pressure, how to say “no”, drinking and driving, media messages and coping with stress. Encourage your child to participate in healthy activities where they can strengthen friendships and have fun.
- Get help when Necessary
If you suspect your child is using alcohol or drugs, DON’T IGNORE IT. Trust your instincts and, if your suspicions bear out, ask for help. Drug abuse is complicated issue. Professionals can help you evaluate the seriousness of the problem and guide you to the next step. Get all the help you can.
Adapted from Living with 10-15 year olds: A parent education Curriculum
Discoveries for Parents was created to house general information, health awareness, peer-reviewed publications and abstracts, which may be useful for parents of troubled children.
