Protect Your Kids From Drug Addiction

If you’re a parent, you realize the importance of protecting your kids from harm as they grow up. As children reach their teenage years, they face many pressures from the outside world that can influence their choices and decisions. One such influence that has the potential for great harm, even death, is drug addiction.

Encouragement and Support

Although many teenagers are heavily influenced by peer pressure, strong parenting skills can help to prevent drug use and treatment for addiction at a Utah heroin rehab facility. Statistics show that the main reason kids do not smoke, drink alcohol or use drugs is the fear of disappointing their parents. As a parent, you can be a powerful influence in your child’s lifestyle choices by setting clear expectations and limits early in life. Supporting and encouraging your child to pursue his or her dreams and goals can go a long way in the prevention of drug use and addiction. Studies show that children who actively pursue their interests and goals early in life are much less likely to experiment with alcohol and drugs.

* Encourage your kids to pursue creative skills through art, drama, and music.
* Promote physical activity through sports that will keep your child physically and mentally fit.
* Get involved with your child by volunteering for community service projects that broaden awareness and teach respect for other people’s interests and feelings.

All of these things will teach your child self-confidence and self-respect which will make it easier to stay away from alcohol and drugs, especially when they are subjected to peer pressure in teenage years.

Statistics show that children who learn about the risks of alcohol and drug use from their parents are 50 percent less likely to drink and experiment with drugs. As a parent, it’s important to talk to your children about alcohol and drug risks from an early, appropriate age. Rather than lecture them, look for opportunities that open up conversations about alcohol and drug risks and teach them how to say no when they are confronted by friends and strangers.

Rules and Boundaries

Setting rules and clear boundaries are essential to building trust and good communication skills between you and your kids about alcohol and drug use. Talk to your kids about the risks and consequences they may face:

* Explain that alcohol and drug use is against the law. Tell them that drinking and driving and drug use can lead to car accidents that result in serious injuries and death, and if they are responsible for the accident, they can face jail time.

* Teach them that alcohol and drugs can cause brain damage, memory loss, learning disabilities, and physical impairments that will prevent them from reaching their goals in life.

* Explain the dangers of addiction. Statistics show that teenagers who drink alcohol and use drugs are much more likely to become addicted and engage in risky behaviors such as violence, unprotected sex, and committing serious crimes. These behaviors can have serious life-long consequences that affect your child’s future.

Studies show that parent leniency has a bigger impact on teenage alcohol and drug use than peer pressure, so setting rules and boundaries is essential. Clearly explain the rules and boundaries, and the consequence for breaking them. Follow through with consequences and reward good behavior. Consistency is important to establish a respectful, trusting relationship with your kids.

Stay Involved

As a parent, it’s important to stay involved in your child’s life, especially as teenage years roll around when they can venture out without you. Get to know your child’s friends and their parents. If your child is going to a friend’s house, make sure you have a contact number and ask if an adult will be present. Whether your child is visiting a friend’s home, going out with friends, attending a party, or participating in a school event, encourage him or her to call you if an uncomfortable situation arises.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), drug use and addiction has reached epidemic proportions around the country. Reports reveal the use of addictive drugs like cocaine, heroin, and prescription pain pills among kids as young as 10 years old in some areas. Shooting up heroin and crack cocaine is commonly seen in teenage boys and girls where needle exchange in Utah is provided. With rising death rates from drug overdoses in America, parents are urged to talk to their kids early about drugs and the serious, even lethal consequences of drug addiction.