Parenting For Prevention
4.6 million teenagers have a drinking problem.
Alcohol-related accidents are the leading cause of death among young people 15-24
years of age.
Whether we like it or not,
alcohol and other drugs are a fact of life in today’s
world. Sooner or later, our kids are going to have to make choices about
alcohol and
other drugs....as surely as they have to make choices about studies,
friendships, sex,
clothes, cars, and a career.
Children Face Serious Risks from alcohol and other drugs:
• 
harm to the body
• delayed physical and emotional growth
•problems in school
• family problems
• legal problems
• accidents and overdose
Students at Risk
Under Public Law 110-226
Title V, the term “high risk youth” means
an individual
who is under the age of 21 years, who is at high risk of becoming or
who has been a
drug or alcohol abuser, and who:
• is a school dropout
• has experienced repeated failure in school
• has become pregnant
• is economically disadvantaged
• is the child of a drug or alcohol abuser
• is a victim of physical, sexual, or psychological abuse
• has committed a violent or delinquent act
• has experienced mental health problems
• has attempted suicide
• has experienced long-term physical pain due to injury
• is a juvenile in a detention facility within the state
Why Kids Use Alcohol and Other Drugs
• To be accepted by
peers
• To feel important and good at something
• To relax
• To escape boredom
• To relieve depression
• To feel less inhibited
• To feel “high”
• To feel the excitement of “risks”
• To escape family pressures
• Poor stress management skills
National and Regional Data
The following is a comparison of National and Midwest School Seniors
by the
University of Michigan, 1989:
National Midwest
92% have tried alcohol 93.8% have tried alcohol
64% used in the last month 67.9% used in the last month
37% are binge drinkers Data not available
12.8% use marijuana daily 11.0% use it daily
3.4% used cocaine in the past 30 days 2.5% used in the past 30 days
42% have tried illicit drugs 40% have tried illicit drugs
4.6% used stimulants in last 30 days 5.1% used in the past 30 days
3.2% used inhalants in the last 30 days 2.6% used in the last 30 days
Parent Awareness Test
1. Has your child’s
personality changed and are there sudden inappropriate
mood changes (irritability, unprovoked hostility, giddiness)?
2. Is he or she less responsible for chores, getting to school on time,
household rules?
3. Does your child seem to be losing old friends and hanging out with a
drinking/partying group?
4. Is there trouble at school - grades dropping, missing school, disinterest
in
school activities?
5. Are you missing money or objects that could be converted to cash?
6. Is your liquor/pill supply disappearing without explanation?
7. Do you hear about your child’s drinking or questionable behavior from
others? Don’t be hostile; listen to these messages.
8. Is your child in trouble with the law?
9. Does your child overreact to criticism?
10. Does your chid turn off to talks, TV shows, or literature about alcoholism
or other drug addictions?
11. Does your child get into fights with other youngsters?
12. Are there signs of major medical or emotional problems (ulcers, gastritis,
liver problems, depression, anxiety, suicide talk?)
13. Has your child’s sleep and eating habits changed?
14. Is he/she irresponsible about the use of automobiles?
15. Is your child dishonest?
16. Do you find signs such as a stash of bottles or drug paraphernalia in the
house?
17. Do you detect physical signs - alcohol on the breath, slurred speech, red
eyes or pupil changes?
18. Does your child spend a lot of time alone behind closed doors?
19. Has your child’s relationships with other family members deteriorated
(withdrawn, uncommunicative, unusual secretiveness).
20. Has your child’s dress habits and personal hygiene significantly
changed?
“Yes” answers
may also be signs of unrelated to alcohol or other drug use - such
as emotional or other problems
Prevention Tips
Teach your child the facts about alcohol and drug use.
With young children:
• teach a little at
a time
• explain the difference between medicine and other drugs
• use terms a child can understand
• teach your child to say “no”
With other children
• share your feelings,
ideas, and values
• know the facts
• discuss the dangers
• establish clear rules and consequences
Help your child resist peer pressure. Encourage your child to:
• choose friends who don’t
use
• avoid places and situations where alcohol and other drugs are used
• enjoy activities that boost self-esteem
Teach your child to
• say no thanks
• give a reason (I’ll get grounded)
• change the subject (want to play ball)
• ignore the person
• walk away
Set a good example
Children imitate the adults around them. Your actions carry powerful
messages.
Avoid sending confusing signals which may happen if you:
• drink often or to
excess
• use illicit drugs
• smoke
• sell drugs
• drive after drinking or taking other drugs
Its never too early to start teaching your children about alcohol and other
drugs.