Importance of Parental Involvement in Preventing Drug Use

Family Socialization

• When parents make the effort to foster interaction and socialization within the family, they can help steer their children away from drug use by creating strong interfamilial connections, according to the National Crime Prevention Council website. Daily conversations about what's going on in family members' lives and doing enjoyable activities together can be especially influential in helping children choose to avoid drugs. Children need a strong bond and connection with parents to make wise decisions about their conduct. If children have a greater investment in their family relationships than their school relationships, they are less likely to use alcohol or marijuana, according to DrugFree.org.

Parental Disapproval

• When children are between the ages of eight and twelve, parents have an important window during which children are more receptive to their influence, according to the Office of National Drug Control Policy. Use this opportunity to talk to them about the dangers of drugs and drug abuse. Parents can increase their influence even more by setting a positive example. If parents abuse alcohol or drugs, then their children have an increased risk of following their example.

Positive Reinforcement

• Children need continual positive reinforcement when they achieve goals and perform positively. Parental involvement in the form of positive feedback and praise for their hard work can help maintain a positive bond between parents and children that helps children avoid drugs. Don̵7;t neglect to praise both children and teens when they follow general house rules, too.

Parental Expectations

• When children know and understand how their parents feel about drugs and what parents expect from them, children are more likely to meet those expectations, according to the National Crime Prevention Council website. Avoid instituting extreme parental expectations -- don't be overly strict or permissive. Expectations in either extreme might have a connection with teen drug experimentation, according to the National Crime Prevention Council.

Informed Parents

• When you know and understand the signs and symptoms of substance abuse, you can use your understanding to monitor your teenager̵7;s behavior, advises DrugFree.org. Changes that might indicate drug use include: a sudden change in behavior, lack of personal hygiene, smelling of smoke, breaking curfew, locking their bedroom door, taking secretive telephone calls and changes in appetite might indicate drug use. If you detect any hint of an issue, ask your child directly about drug use. Your teen might deny drug use, even if he has used drugs. If you have reason to believe your child has a problem with drugs, proceed with a professional assessment to determine whether your teen needs treatment.