Talking With Your Kids About Drugs
Some Ideas From McGruff
and the
Thomaston Police Department
Preventing drug abuse really begins with preventing
drug use. Some children as young as third and fourth grades feel pressured
to try drugs - especially gateway drugs like alcohol, nicotine (tobacco),
and marijuana. Research shows that each of these can increase the chance
that the user will turn to even more dangerous drugs like crack or other
forms of cocaine, and stimulant or depressant pills. The average age
of the first use of illicit drugs (including alcohol) is 12 years!
Constructive communication is one of the most
effective tools you can use in helping your child avoid drug use. The
very act of regular two-way communication shows your child that he or
she mean a great deal to you.
What to Communicate
The facts about how drugs harm people - young
people especially. Physical harm - slowed growth, impaired coordination,
etc. Social harm - being disconnected from society, loss of friendships,
loss of interest. Educational harm - impaired memory and attention levels,
and reduced motivation.
The fact that you do not find drug use acceptable. Many children say
their parents never stated this simple principle. Don't forget to point
out that these drugs are against the law.
The fact that there are lots of positive drug-free alternatives, and
you will help your children explore them.
The fact that you place high value on your child's good, special qualities
- qualities that drugs can and will destroy or diminish.
The power to say no - A clear message about the behavior you expect;
your trust in your child to live up to your hopes; the belief that your
child, knowing right from wrong, is smart enough to choose the right
and say no to drugs.
Ways to Communicate
Calmly and openly - Discuss frankly and without
anger the facts about drugs. Don't exaggerate. The facts are chilling
in and of themselves.
In terms of subject matter, not personalities - Challenging current
friends might lead to defensive or defiant behavior.
Face to face, exchanging information and understanding - Be an active
listener and let your child tell you what he or she knows about drugs,
what his or her own experiences have been, what fears or concerns already
exist.
Through "teachable moments" - In contrast to a formal sit-down
lecture, use a variety of situations - television news, TV dramas, books,
newspapers, local situations. Capitalize on one point. You'll have opportunities
to make other points. Ask the child how he or she would have reacted,
what else might have been done or might have happened.
As an ongoing dialogue - Communication won't be as effective if the
subject is brought up in one massive lecture. Anti-drug use messages
should be an ongoing theme when you talk with your child. The content
and intent should be repeated as an accepted family value. But be sure
you encourage and allow for two-way communication.
Remember that you set the example - your child will compare your actions
with your words and be guided accordingly. If you choose to drink, never
mix drinking with driving or any other activity requiring skill and
coordination. If you smoke, it would help you and your child if you
could quit. And don't use illegal drugs. Period!
Be creative! You and your child might act out various situations in
which someone tries to pressure someone else to take a drug. Figure
out two or three ways to handle each situation and talk about which
is best. Role-playing is one way to practice decision-making skills.
Understanding Reasons Why Kids Use Drugs
Kids may turn to drugs for one or more of these
reasons:
for fun
to do what friends are doing
to fit in
to get through the day
to escape pain in their lives
out of boredom
because of curiosity
to take risks
unaware of the effects
because a role model did it
How Can I Tell If Someone is Using Drugs?
Identifying possible signs of drug use may help
prevent further use. Possible signs:
Change in moods (more irritable, secretive, withdrawn,
overly sensitive, inappropriately angry)
Less responsible (late coming home, late for school or class, involved
in more accidents than usual, dishonest)
Changing friends or changing lifestyles (new interests, unexplained
increases in cash)
Difficult to communicate with (refuses to discuss changes in behavior,
becomes defensive if asked about drug use)
Shows physical deterioration (memory losses, difficulty in concentration,
loss of weight, unhealthy appearance)
For More Information, Contact:
State and local government drug abuse agencies
State and local mental health agencies
State and local law enforcement agencies
Private drug abuse services listed in the telephone book yellow pages
National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information (NCADI)
P.O. Box 2345
Rockville, Maryland 20852
(301)468-2600
The National Crime Prevention Council publishes a list of resources
which includes other national groups.
Crime Prevention Tips from:
The National Crime Prevention Council
733 15th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20005