Drug Awareness and
Prevention
Many
parents don't realize how prevalent drugs and alcohol use is among
teens, even in the middle school years. Surveys show that
approximately 12% of Carmel Valley students use marijuana regularly,
and 29% use alcohol. Unfortunately, the earlier a child begins
using, the more likely he is to move on to other drugs, and to
develop serious drug dependencies. Although not all kids are using
drugs and alcohol, your child will be heavily influenced by the
attitudes and behaviors of their friends.
Why They Start
- Peer
Pressure: Fitting in is very important. If their
friends are doing it they do not want to be left out even if
they know it is wrong.
-
Opportunity: Kids with little supervision sometimes
find themselves associating with other kids who are making poor
choices.
- Societal
Influence: Music, television and movies send confusing
messages about tobacco, drugs and alcohol. Often it is portrayed
as "cool".
-
Curiosity: They have heard about how drugs and alcohol
make them feel and they experiment to see for themselves.
- Risk
Takers: Teens seek thrills and excitement. They do not
have the maturity to think something bad will happen to them.
- Boredom:
It is a form of entertainment.
Things you can do....
- Know their
friends and their friends' parents.
- Share your
values and rules with other parents. Make sure your child is
supervised according to your expectations when at a friend's
home.
- Role play
possible situations, "What would you say if your friend wants to
leave the movie and hang out?"
- Be an observer.
Listen in the car when you are driving kids to activities. Look
at what your child writes on their notebooks, etc.
- Be the hangout.
Encourage kids to be at your house.
- Don't allow
sleepovers unless you have talked to the other parent and are
assured of supervision.
- Stay Informed:
Take advantage of parenting seminars at school, research latest
drug "fads", be aware of how "over-the-counter" drugs can be
misused.
- Communicate: Be
clear about your rules and expectations. Be firm about your "no
drugs or alcohol" rules.
- Encourage
alternatives for fun: Keep your child busy. Enroll in sports,
music, theatre, or volunteer.
Internet resource:
http://www.adp.ca.gov
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