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In a December press release, Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson released results of the 2003 "Monitoring the Future" survey stating an "11 percent decline in drug use by eighth-, 10th-, and 12th-grade students over the past two years. These findings translate into 400,000 fewer teen drug users over two years." Sounds good, doesn't it? Any decrease in teen drug use is a welcome sign for parents. But if you analyze the information, that leaves more than 3.5 million teens of about 15 million between the ages of 14 and 17 who are abusing drugs. Now the picture doesn't look quite as good. The government attributes the decrease to prevention efforts by "federal agencies, states, communities and partners in the private and volunteer sectors." Where do parents fit in to this issue? What can a parent do to prevent drug abuse in their teenagers? What can they do if they suspect that their teenager is substance abusing? Parents are the first educators of their children. In spite of the perception, most adolescents feel that they have a good relationship with their families and nearly 90 percent believe they have one family member in whom they can confide. Family members are role models for teens who put them atop their lists over entertainers and athletes. Although parents may not feel that their voice is heard, information tells us that teens may be starting to listen and heed. It is important for parents to take on their vital parental role as educator, confidant and sometimes warden. Some background information may help parents prepare themselves as "preventors" of substance abuse. Many of the substances that are available, both legal and illegal, can produce an addiction. This word has been used rather freely over the past decade and some may even say that it has been used as an excuse for bad behavior. There probably is no such thing as an addiction to chocolate or excessive driving speed. An addiction is a disease that not only affects behavior, but also the brain. The decision to begin using drugs is a choice. However, over time, the brain actually changes, sometimes irreversibly, in certain ways so that a powerful urge to use drugs controls behavior without thinking or caring about consequences. This information emphasizes the importance of prevention rather than treatment. The prevention of drug abuse does not allow the changes to occur in the brain, avoiding the development of addiction. There are many resources that are available for parents to begin work in drug abuse prevention. The National Institute on Drug Abuse is part of the National Institute of Health and has information on prevention by community and parents. Other Internet sources: www.theantidrug.com, www.dare.com, www.drugfreeamerica.org and www.teensdrugabuse.gov. Dr. Clyde Wesp is a pediatrician with Southern Orange County Pediatric Associates with offices in Lake Forest, Laguna Hills, Rancho Santa Margarita and Ladera Ranch and is affiliated with Saddleback Memorial Medical Center, Mission Hospital Regional Medical Center and Children's Hospital of Orange County. To e-mail him, please go to: askdrwesp@netscape.net. Knowledge One of the most powerful components of drug abuse prevention is knowledge. Knowledge begins with parents. Parents cannot tell their children about the consequences of drug abuse if they do not have knowledge of substances and their potential effects. Do not begin to educate your child until you educate yourself. - Be aware of the signs of substance abuse such as difficulty paying attention, missing schoolwork, trouble sleeping, paranoia, change in friends and changes in appearance. - Have resources and references available. Your child will see that you are serious about the discussion if you have done your homework first. - Provide accurate information about drugs to your child. Parenting Do not be afraid to be a parent. It is your role. Accept the role of parent as your responsibility and let someone else be a friend! Remember that teenagers require supervision, guidance and direction as well as a younger child. - Define limits and expectations. Let your children know that any drug use is unacceptable. Talk about consequences to their decisions and actions, rather than punishment. - If you are suspicious about drugs, do not be afraid to examine your child's room. It is your house and your child lives in your house. You may want to warn them that a random check might occur at any time. Teenagers are good at covering their tracks, but not always. You may find matches or lighters or some other drug paraphernalia. Do not be afraid to look. If you don't look, you may just be in denial. - Spend time with your children and tell them about your hopes for them for the future. Show signs of affection and care. - Strengthen your child's decision-making skills by providing choices. Realize that decision-making is gradual. You would not expect the same abilities in a 14-year-old that you would in an 18-year-old. Start with the simple and work to the complex. - Be a good example. Use prescription drugs and alcohol prudently and responsibly. "Do as I say not as I do" doesn't work here. Responsible behavior teaches responsible behavior. Counseling - Don't be afraid to ask for help. It is an example of responsible behavior to get help when you need it. Teenagers will ask for help if they know it is acceptable to do so. - Do not be afraid to have a third party talk to your child. This may be another adult who has an older child and has lived the situation. It may be another family member without the emotional tie that you have with your child. - If your child is abusing substances, find help for them early before changes occur that will make it even harder to quit. |
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