Tips for Keeping Your Kids Drug Free

It has been shown that the earlier drug use is initiated, the more likely a person is to develop drug problems later in life. Youth substance abuse may lead to many other problems that affect not only the child, but also the child’s family and community.

Talk to Your Children Early

Talk to your kids early, by the time they are in High School most students report they have already been offered or tried alcohol. Be open with them and give them the facts about drugs and alcohol.

Work with Your Community

Find out about drug prevention programs or coalitions in your area and volunteer to help. This will help the program and let your children know that it is important to them that they stay away from drugs and alcohol.

Be Honest with Them

Give them real facts and information. Be honest with them about your experiences and the dangers of drugs and alcohol, don’t exaggerate. Allow them to ask questions and give them answers.

Build Self-Confidence and Character

When children have  high self-esteem they don’t fall as easily into the peer pressure trap. They are able to make informed decisions for themselves.

Practice Saying “No”

When I child is prepared for someone to ask them to try drugs it will be easier for them to say “No” if they have practiced. Use role-play or modeling to give examples of possible scenarios and how to get out of those situations.

Talk about Legal Consequences of Underage Drinking and Drug Use

Let your kids know it is not legal to drink as a minor or use drugs and give them the real life consequences. Let them know it is not okay for other parents or adults to supply a party with alcohol for minors. Make sure they are informed so they can make good decisions.

Watch for Signs of Use

Some sign of drug use are behavior changes, children are more tired than usual, drugs usually have smells associated with them. Make sure you are educated on the signs of drug abuse and be looking for those in your children.

Supervision

Make sure your children are supervised all the time. When they go to a friend’s house, make sure you talk to the parents of the other children. Don’t allow alcohol parties with minors in your home or on your property. Report those parents who do allow the parties.

Lock up Your Medication and Liquor

Make sure that your liquor cabinet and other alcohol are locked up and secure so that your teen is unable to take liquor from your home. Make sure prescription medications are secured and out of the reach of your children.

Remember Underage Drinking is NOT a Rite of Passage

Underage drinking can have harmful effects to the minds of our youth. It is very dangerous for youth to use alcohol or any other illicit substances. There are other dangers to them using alcohol besides drinking and driving and consequences can include; unwanted sex, unwanted pregnancy, struggles with friend relationships, alcohol poisoning, binge drinking, and dependency issues. Set a good example and protect your children.

For more parent tips view our parent resources

Foundation for a Drug Free World

Foundation for a Drug Free World

Empowers youth and adults with factual information about drugs so they can make informed decisions and live drug-free.

Stop Medicine Abuse

Stop Medicine Abuse

prevention campaign working to alert parents and members of the community about the problem of teen abuse of over-the-counter (OTC) cough medicines containing dextromethorphan (DXM).

NIH for Parents

NIH for Parents

The latest science-based information about the health effects and consequences of drug abuse and addiction.

Blinders Off

Blinders Off

Adolescent Drug Use Awareness for Parents

Parents Empowered

Parents Empowered

Provide parents and guardians with information about the harmful effects of alcohol on the developing teen brain, along with proven skills for preventing underage alcohol use.

CADCA

CADCA

Building drug free communities

Foundation for a Drug-Free World

Foundation for a Drug-Free World

Educate parents on teen drug use to enable parents to give their children factual information about drugs and their harmful effects.

Operation Parent

Operation Parent

Education, support and hope to those raising teens and pre-teens in today’s culture.

Parent Drug Guide

Parent Drug Guide

A comprehensive and up-to-date source of drug information for parents

Parent Help Line

Parent Help Line

Call 1-855-DRUGFREE (1-855-378-4373)

National Institute on Drug Abuse for Parents

National Institute on Drug Abuse for Parents

Facts on teen drug use

The Anti-Drug

The Anti-Drug

Helping adults to help kids with information about the dangers of substance abuse.

National Institute on Drug Abuse for Teens

National Institute on Drug Abuse for Teens

Drug facts

Above the Influence

Above the Influence

Helping teens stand up to negative pressures, or influences through awareness and preparedness.

Natural High

Natural High

Develop the skills and courage for youth to live life well.

Marijuana Harmless? Think Again

Marijuana Harmless? Think Again

Education about the real risks of marijuana drug use.

In The Know Zone

In The Know Zone

Information on substance abuse, sexual and mental health issues.

Partnership for Drug-Free Kids

Partnership for Drug-Free Kids

Information, support and guidance for families struggling with youth substance use.

National Institute on Drug Abuse-Children and Teens

National Institute on Drug Abuse-Children and Teens

Information on how different drugs can affect the brain and the body and what you can do to get involved.

National Institute on Drug Abuse for Teens

National Institute on Drug Abuse for Teens

Drug Facts: The latest on how drugs affect the brain and body.

SAMHSA

SAMHSA

National Help Line: 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or 1-800-487-4889

CoAPT

Blanco Coalition of Awareness, Prevention, and Treatment of Substance Abuse.

© 2017 Blanco CoAPT

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