Parental Influence on Children Using Street Drugs

The term ̶0;street drugs̶1; refers to range of drugs than can include marijuana, hallucinogens, heroin and ecstasy, according to Street Drugs.org. Alcohol is also considered a drug. Legal prescription drugs can become street drugs when they are purchased without a prescription and consumed inappropriately. Examples of prescription drugs that are frequently abused include Xanax, Zoloft, codeine or Ativan. Parents have a significant effect on the likelihood of their child using drugs.

  1. Communication

    • Children who learn about the dangers of using street drugs from their parents are less likely to experiment with drugs, according to Drugfree.org. Parents should speak and listen to their children regularly. Explicitly stating that you do not want your child to use drugs can also be effective. Setting appropriate limits, such as curfews or time spent with friends, can help let your child know that you are actively involved in her daily life.

    Factors

    • Examining some of the reasons why children experiment with street drugs can help parents influence their children to steer clear of dangerous drugs. According to the article ̶0;Kids and Drugs: A Parent̵7;s Guide to Prevention,̶1; some children experiment with drugs because they are curious about the effects or want some excitement in their lives. Other children might use drugs because they feel stressed about school, their social lives or family issues. Looking for potential triggers in your child̵7;s life can help parents steer him toward healthier alternatives. For example, a child craving excitement might benefit from participating in high-energy sports such as tae kwon do or surfing.

    Self-image

    • Families can have a powerfully positive influence on their children̵7;s self-image and self-confidence, helping them avoid using street drugs. Parents can express approval and appreciation when children make the right choices, according to Parent Action On Drugs.org. Demonstrate trust and provide opportunities for responsibility by involving children in family duties, making them feel needed and secure in their roles. Have routines in place for children who arrive home before parents get off work, such as checking in by telephone and getting started on homework.

    Parent Users

    • Parents who use drugs can negatively influence a child̵7;s quality life or increase the likelihood that they will also use drugs, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services article, ̶0;Parental Substance Use and the Child Welfare System.̶1; Children who live with parent drug users face additional risks, such as maltreatment, high stress levels and social challenges. In addition to experimenting with street drugs, children living with parents who abuse drugs are also more likely to have substance abuse problems. Parents struggling with drug abuse should seek mentoring, counseling or medical support in order to provide a safer home environment for their children.

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