Children Less Likely to Use Illegal Drugs If Parents Enforce Clear Rules
Drug abuse and drug addiction are one of many things that parents have to worry about when raising their children.
“Parents are often worried about their child’s grades, who their friends are, and making sure they grow up right,” comments Mary Rieser, Executive Director of Narconon Drug Rehab in Georgia. “While helping children with their school work can help with grades, and telling them about the birds and bees gives them information they will need growing up, many are at a loss on how to prevent drug abuse. But recent studies have shown that by simply setting and keeping enforced clear rules can cut the risks almost 500%.”
Youths whose parents set clear rules for them are less likely to report using illicit drugs, according to data from the 2008-09 PRIDE Survey. Middle and high school students whose parents set clear rules for them “a lot” or “often” were less likely to report using illicit drugs in the past year (12% and 21%, respectively) than students whose parents never set clear rules (49%). Similar results were found for having parents who punish them for breaking these rules. Previous studies have found that youths living in households where parents kept track of their whereabouts and set curfews were less likely to report heavy drinking (see CESAR FAX, Volume 17, Issue 31).*
“Other actions can be to prevent prescription drug abuse,” comments Ms. Rieser. “Prescription drugs are now being commonly abused by children who think they are safe.”
How to fight drug abuse in your own family?
1. Keep careful track of all prescription medications. Once you are done throw away the rest.
2. Keep prescriptions locked up. Although your children may not abuse them, their friends may come over and take them.
3. Educate your children on drugs and drug abuse.
4. Be aware of the signs of drug abuse in your family.
5. Communicate. Keep in good communication with your children on the type of parties they go to, who their friends are, and what is going on in their life.
“Adolescence can be a difficult time for children. If children don’t have someone they can talk to, someone they can trust, it is all too easy to go down the wrong path.
“Also be aware or the common signs of drug abuse. Knowing these signs can help you avoid future heartache and misery.”
What are some common signs of drug abuse?
Sudden changes in behavior can be a clue that there is drug abuse, especially with adolescents.
- New friends, new flashy clothes
- Keeping late hours can be a sign
- Other indications include sudden decline in academic performance
- Lack of interest in known hobbies
- Borrowing of money
- Changes of mood, as in moodiness, unexplainable euphoria, sleeping in
- Changes of friends
Take care of your family. Prevent drug abuse.
*Source: CESAR FAX, Center for Substance Abuse Research, University of Maryland
