Parent’s Role In Preventing Drug Addiction

Many people assume that drug addiction strikes indiscriminately, with no regard to age, race or economic background.

"This is true," comments Mary Rieser, Executive Director for Narconon Drug Rehab Georgia. "Drug addiction strikes the old, the young, the rich, the poor. One would then assume trhat nothing can be done about it. This could not be further from the truth.

"Parents are the single most decisive factor on whether their children will become addicted or whether they will stay addicted."

Can a parent help prevent drug abuse and drug addiction? The answer is a resounding yes, and studies show that they can.

The Director of National Drug Control Policy agrees. "All parents want to believe their child is immune to drugs and other risky behaviors," said John P. Walters, Director of National Drug Control Policy. "Some parents are at a loss when it comes to educating their kids about the dangers of marijuana. We want parents to be aware that drug use by teens is an unfortunate reality, and they need to play a crucial role in keeping their kids drug-free."

In October issue of Psychological Science the younger kids start abusing drugs, the more chance that their life can be ruined by sexually transmitted diseases, legal troubles and dropping out of school.

“Being a parent these days means more than just dropping the kids off at school and the movies.  To have any chance of survival in this society kids need strong discipline, good moral teaching and parents who are devoted to helping them maneuver through the booby traps laid at every turn for our youth in today’s society.”

“Parents are key components to helping their child learn about the dangers of drug abuse and drug addiction, comments Mary Rieser, Executive Director for Narconon Drug Rehab Georgia. “The consequences of not keeping their children drug and alcohol free are not pleasant.

However, parents can make a difference in reversing this disturbing trend. In fact, youth who are regularly monitored by their parents are four times less likely to use illicit drugs, and teens whose parents lay out clear and firm rules about marijuana use are much less likely to experiment with drugs. Over the past four years teen drug use has dropped 19 percent, in part due to parents giving their teens a clear, consistent anti-drug message.

Some clear activities parents can engage in:

 Establishing a clear "no-drugs" rule;
 Having teens engage in constructive and adult-supervised activities outside of school;
 Finding out who your child's friends are and getting to know them;
 Getting in touch with adults in your teen's life, such as teachers and coaches;
 Staying informed of your teen's progress in school, employment, and other activities; and
 Being aware of the signs of symptoms of drug use.

It can be difficult being a good parent but it can be done and it must be done for the sake of our future civilization.

Source: ONDCP

Call Narconon Drug Rehab 1-877-413-3073 for more information on effective drug treatment or drug education.

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