1. Talk About It
It is never too early to talk about the dangers of drug addiction. Study up on the effects of different drugs and the ways in which your children may take them. Be as specific as you can when you talk to them about it and convey as many concrete facts as you feel they can handle. Set strict rules about drug use and apply consistent discipline when they are broken. Do this early and stick to it without wavering or changing the rules. Reliable signals are the best way to make sure the message is heard. At the same time, make it clear that your children can come and talk to you at any time about it. If they bring up the subject of drug use, don't judge or condemn. Listen and indicate that you are sympathetic. Ask them why they felt the need to try drugs. Ask them whether they believe it will make them happy and where they think it will lead them. Address the problem, but try to do it from a position of trust, and look for the roots of their choices rather than the surface causes.
2. Look for Symptoms of Drug Use
If you can spot early signs of drug use, you can take steps to prevent it from growing worse. Look for signs of falling grades or trouble with teachers. There may be a radical change in clothes or hair style. Your child may stop normal activities and reject formerly close friends in favor of new ones you don't know. He may begin sleeping late far more often than normal, and he may appear lethargic and tired while he is awake. There may be symptoms such as severe weight loss or a loss of appetite. They may not indicate drug use--indeed, many signs are indistinguishable from normal teen behavior--but it never pays to ignore such changes.
3. Know Your Child's Schedule
Older children and teens need a sense of independence, and overly restrictive parents may cause more problems than they solve. At the same time, don't stay in the dark about where your child may be and what she is up to. Be aware of her routine and know what activities she is normally involved in. Keep the lines of communication open; encourage her to let you know where she'll be in case you need to reach her in an emergency. Show that you're interested and aware without being smothering. She'll be more inclined to trust you if there's a problem, and you can keep track of her while still giving her space.
4. Monitor or Remove Drugs From Your Home
Obviously, leading by example is important when preventing drug addiction. Refrain from using any illegal substances and don't keep any in your home. The issue goes beyond that, however, since abuse of legal prescription drugs is a rapidly expanding problem among teenagers. Know where your prescription medications are and keep them somewhere safe. You should also monitor the amount and take note if there seem to be fewer than normal. If alcohol is a concern, you can do the same thing with liquor bottles in the home. Finally, keep an eye on cleaning products, aerosol paint, glue and other household chemicals, since teenagers can huff them in order to get high. Keep them in a secure location and be aware of whether anything goes missing.
