Substance abuse is a common problem in all elements of society, even infiltrating the lives of children. A sad fact is that many teenagers (and even some younger individuals) try drugs or alcohol at some point during their high school tenure. Parents must face this reality and teach their kids about substance abuse before kids begin experimenting with intoxicants. Educate your children so they will be less likely to drink or take drugs when the opportunity presents itself.
Step 1
Start early and keep it up. Begin teaching your children about alcohol and drugs when they are in kindergarten. Explain that these things are bad for us, and parents do not want their kids to use them. Become more detailed with your information as your children grow older. Introduce the topic frequently to be effective.
Step 2
Explain the short- and long-term effects of abusing alcohol and drugs. Talk about the behavior modifications these substances cause and how they can make a person lose control of herself. Discuss the eventual damage drugs and alcohol can do to the body, including organ damage, possibility of cancer, and possible exposure to hepatitis or HIV.
Step 3
Ask your children questions and encourage them to ask their own. Test your children's knowledge after you have been educating them regarding drug and alcohol abuse. See if they can tell you in their own words what they have learned. Encourage them to ask you about anything they don't understand about drugs and drinking.
Step 4
Set a good example by not abusing substances. Let your children know that while some adults do abuse substances, it is not necessary to drink or use drugs to have fun. Keep alcohol and drugs out of your house.
Step 5
Take natural opportunities to educate your children. For example, you can talk about the down side of drinking following a beer commercial on television. Explain that although the marketers make drinking look like fun, it is a dangerous practice and inappropriate for children and teens.
Step 6
Educate your child about peer pressure. Ask your child what his friends say about drinking and drugs. Tell him there will probably come a time when a classmate offers him an illicit substance. Role-play with him on how to say no to other kids.
Step 7
Encourage saying no to drugs and alcohol, but don't preach or threaten. Let your child know you don't want her to abuse substances because you love her and want her to stay healthy.
Step 8
Instruct your child to leave a situation in which drugs or alcohol is present. Tell him to call you for a ride and never accept transportation from someone who has been drinking or using drugs.
