How to Prevent Teen Drug Abuse
Educating teenagers about drug use is the primary tool you have to prevent it. While it might seem as if your teenagers listen to their friends more than you, the truth is that parents play a significant role in decreasing teen drug abuse. According to the NYU Langone Medical Center, risk factors for teen drug use include a chaotic family life and a family history of substance abuse. By creating a stable environment, and by modeling sobriety, you can help prevent teen drug abuse.
Instructions
Talk to your kids early and often about drugs. Keep the conversation going throughout their childhoods. Let them know they can turn to you for accurate information about drugs and alcohol without getting a lecture. Spend one-on-one time with each child, and family time as a group with all your children. Have at least one meal together each day. Make time to give each kid your undivided attention and let him know he has your unconditional love. Monitor what each of your kids is doing and with whom she's doing it. Get to know your child's friends by inviting them over to your house. Find out where she is going and whom she'll be with when she goes out. Keep prescription medications in a secure location. If anyone in your household takes painkillers, sedatives or stimulants, count the pills regularly and discard any unused medication. Limit the amount of alcohol you have in your home and the ease with which your children can access it. Tell your teen what you expect of him. If you know he's going to a party, set a curfew and wait up if necessary. Make it impossible for him to sneak in late, drunk or high, without seeing you. If he knows the rules and consequences and you apply them consistently, he is less likely to try sneaking drug and alcohol use past you.