Drug use has escalated to an alarming rate in the past years, with teens at higher risk of getting involved in drug abuse.
In fact, a study facilitated by Columbia University's National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) showed that 44% of middle school students and 80% of high school students in the United States have seen illegal drugs used or sold.
A large portion of the alarming rise in teen drug use can be attributed to how society and media portray drug use, with celebrities and even song lyrics showing that this is not only acceptable behavior, but also actually a way for a person to be accepted by his or her peers, something that a lot of teens crave for.
However, while it's true that media and culture play a role in the increase in drug use today, this does not mean that parents and other adults can simply point fingers at these and not do anything else.
They need to take an active stand in preventing drug use.
One of the things that they can do is to make a move toward promoting drug education in their area.
Some of the things that you can do to help prevent the incidence of drug use in your community are:
If they want to ensure that their kids will not get involved in drug and alcohol use and abuse, they will also need to take active efforts to prevent this situation from happening.
As trite as it may sound, it all starts at home, which is why parents and guardians need to teach kids about the dangers of drug use so that they will be able to make responsible decisions even in situations of peer pressure.
In fact, a study facilitated by Columbia University's National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) showed that 44% of middle school students and 80% of high school students in the United States have seen illegal drugs used or sold.
A large portion of the alarming rise in teen drug use can be attributed to how society and media portray drug use, with celebrities and even song lyrics showing that this is not only acceptable behavior, but also actually a way for a person to be accepted by his or her peers, something that a lot of teens crave for.
However, while it's true that media and culture play a role in the increase in drug use today, this does not mean that parents and other adults can simply point fingers at these and not do anything else.
They need to take an active stand in preventing drug use.
One of the things that they can do is to make a move toward promoting drug education in their area.
Some of the things that you can do to help prevent the incidence of drug use in your community are:
- Education.
One reason why kids get involved in drug use is because they actually don't understand what the consequences of doing so will be.
By having a dedicated program that will teach them about drugs, they will become more aware of how drug use can affect their lives so that they don't become tempted into doing it, even in the face of peer pressure.
There are non-profit social groups that can teach drug prevention.
You can also lobby for your kids' school to have prevention programs wherein kids will be taught in school what drugs are about.
There are also online prevention programs that you can go through with your kids to orient them about the dangers of using drugs. - Make sure to avoid taking on a lecturing tone when teaching your kids about the dangers of drug use, as doing so can actually push them into doing what you're telling them not to do.
While you should impress upon them the hazards of using drugs, make sure to have a discussion with them.
Give them the opportunity to ask questions, since doing so will make them more aware of what the situation is about. - Providing alternative activities for your kids.
Parents can, by themselves or with the community, help prevent the incidence of drug use by holding events or activities that are geared toward allowing teens to go and have fun even without drugs or alcohol.
In doing so, they can teach their kids that they can have fun even without the influence of these substances. - Simply be there for your kids.
A lot of times, minors who use drugs are actually those who feel neglected by their families.
As such, make sure to devote time with your kids, even if it's just to watch a movie together or to go out at times.
Make sure that communication lines between you and your kids are always open so that they will feel they can talk with you at any time.
It's also a good idea to teach your kids good coping skills, since those who use drugs often do so because they can't deal with the issues in their lives.
The important thing is for you to be there for your kids, especially when they need you.
If they want to ensure that their kids will not get involved in drug and alcohol use and abuse, they will also need to take active efforts to prevent this situation from happening.
As trite as it may sound, it all starts at home, which is why parents and guardians need to teach kids about the dangers of drug use so that they will be able to make responsible decisions even in situations of peer pressure.