Many young people begin experimenting with substance abuse when they are children, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, or SAMHSA. There is a need for early drug abuse interventions, but many school systems do not begin programs until the high school years. The National Institute on Drug Abuse states that brief, family-based interventions can improve parenting skills, leading to a reduced risk of later substance abuse.
Identification
Family management refers to a level of supervision, methods of discipline, problem-solving behaviors, the communication of clear expectations, and the degree of praise and reinforcement for positive behavior. High family conflict and low family bonding predict higher risk of illicit drug initiation from ages 12 to 21, according to a 2002 study published by Jie Guo and colleagues in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.
Significance
Family management is important because parental monitoring and supervision are critical for drug abuse prevention, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Children are more at risk of substance abuse when they experience a lack of nurturing, ineffective parenting, a chaotic home environment, the lack of a stable relationship with a caring adult, and a caregiver who abuses substances, suffers from mental illness or engages in criminal behavior. Parental involvement, strong family bonds, supportive parenting and clear boundaries are protective factors.
Programs
The National Institute of Drug Abuse states that national family-based prevention programs should aim to improve family bonding and relationships. Skills training can enhance bonding. They should also teach drug information. Drug education creates opportunities for open family discussion. Family in-home support that provides crisis intervention has also shown potential for success, according to SAMHSA. Family therapy may also be beneficial.
Skills
Skills training should include supportiveness, communication and involvement. In successful programs, parent should learn rule setting and techniques for monitoring their children's activities, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Parents should learn to reward appropriate behavior, and discipline children for breaking the rules.
Recommendations
SAMHSA suggests that parents talk to their children about the dangers of substance abuse. Use community programs for crisis intervention. Participate in programs that improve family management skills. Community leaders should develop programs focusing on families with young children. They should identify obstacles that prevent families from participating, and develop incentives for family participation.
References
- National Institute on Drug Abuse: Preventing Drug Abuse among Children and Adolescents
- SAMHSA: Family Involvement Is Key To Stopping Substance Abuse!
- Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry; A Developmental Analysis of Sociodemographic, Family, and Peer Effects on Adolescent Illicit Drug Initiation; Jie Guo, et al.; July 2002
