webadminAs a parent, you should have a huge influence on your child’s decision for not to use drugs. Most likely, children get addicted while they are in their school. Therefore, parents need to discuss about the harmful effect of substance abuse from the very beginning. When parents learn to talk about difficult topics with their children, they begin the process to prevent drug abuse. Then, programs provided by schools, sports, and other groups can support prevention from substance abuse.
Substance Abuse Prevention Starts with Parents
Parents guidance is much important to prevent substance abuse in children. It’s parent’s responsibility to teach children what is wrong and what it right. Sometimes topics such as substance abuse or drug abuse are considered topics of taboo which generally parents hesitate to discuss with their children. But instead considering as taboo they must openly speak about it to their children. For example, if you are drinking alcohol, then limit its usage on the first place by yourself, then you should make your children aware of its limitations, it’s harmful effect when consumed in excess.
- One can always provide good guidance and clear rules about not using drugs. Spend time with your child to understand their mental state, their friend circle, etc. Never use drugs yourself.
- Children observe and learn how parents use tobacco, alcohol, and drugs at home. They get inspired from how parents lead their social life, and maintain other relationships. This also includes how parents deal with strong emotional stress, stress, anxiety and even minor aches and pains.
- Safety of children are responsibility of parents. There is saying that “Actions speak louder than words”. Children really do observe and learn what their parents say and do. So be careful at your own actions.
Prevention Starts When Parents Start Talking—and Listening to Their Children
Talk precisely and honestly with your child about risky behavior and healthy choices to make. Listen to what your children opinion and what they have to say. Make talking and listening a habit, the earlier the better!
Talk with your child about the harmful effects of drugs and alcohol would have on their brains and bodies and how it will affect their ability to learn or play sports. Consult your pediatrician about the other dangers of substance abuse.
On your regular safety conversations, talk about avoiding alcohol, tobacco and drug use.
Be very particular about your family rules and Limitations.
Ensure Correct any wrong belief system your child may have
- Avoid any TV programs or movies, and video games that encourages tobacco, alcohol, and drugs.
- Spend time with your children. Try to understand what is going on in your child’s life.
- Always make mix of praise and criticism to teach your children right and wrong in life.
- Make your children realize you care about them and talk to them about their safety.
- Notice the friend circle of your child and help them make good choice of friends. Because bad friends circle encourages substance abuse.
- Teach your children to be responsible individual and teach the meaning of real friends in life.
How to Help Your Child Learn Different Ways to Say “No!”
Train your child how to respond and react to someone offering drugs. It is much simpler to say “No!” when prepared ahead of time.
This way, it becomes natural instinct to do at least one of the following:
- Firmly and strictly say, “No!”
- Giving a reason— “No thanks, I’m not into that neither interested.” or “No, my parents would get really angry at me.”
- Divert the topic by indulging in any game or activity.
- Simply avoid the friend circle prone to drug addiction.
Has Anxiety and Depression Taken a toll over you or your loved ones.
Please contact Mind Health Network. You can call our 24/7 help at to get more information about a psychiatric center near you. You can also chat with our admissions consultants to learn more about treatment plans and our network of mental health centers.
