Substance abuse is one of the most common problems in society. It is one of those issues that can affect anyone around us.
While the problem unto itself is a serious one, it is especially so when the victims are children.
This makes substance abuse prevention all the more important in their case.
To understand the problem, it is first important to understand what ‘substance abuse’ really means.
Substance abuse, also called drug abuse, is the use of drugs and other prescription chemicals in a way that is harmful to the user as well as others.
Also, these substances are not necessarily dangerous per se. On the contrary, what makes them dangerous is the way they are consumed. For example, many drugs are meant to be used under prescription but when taken without one, there is a potential for numerous health consequences.
As for the term ‘substance abuse prevention’, it refers to any and all ways that can be used to prevent this issue.
When it comes to children, drug abuse is one of those things parents need to be aware of.
Given that children tend to be particularly vulnerable and impressionable, it is important that parents take the necessary steps to protect them from any harm.
This is especially important since drugs, both legal and illegal, are everywhere in society. Among these are, but not limited to, cigarettes, alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, alcohol, etc.
If children aren’t made aware about substance abuse prevention, they might just get into a lot of trouble.
Also, this is an issue is something that must first be confronted at home. While efforts at a societal level can help, it will not be as effective as compared to raising awareness at home. This is because parents usually have a better understanding of their child’s needs than anyone else.
Parents that realize the importance of this issue are faced with one simple issue, which is that they don’t know where to begin. Given that it is a complicated and often sensitive subject, it is understandable.
At the same time however, it is one of the most important things parents have to do towards substance abuse prevention in their children. You can do it at just about any age, but it’s always a good idea to start when they are young.
The right time to start educating them is around the ages just before pre-teens. This is for one simple reason, which is that most substance abuse problems begin during the teenage years. Talking about these issues just before their teenage years will help them to know about potential dangers in their life.
HOW TO TALK TO YOUR CHILDREN ABOUT SUBSTANCE ABUSE PREVENTION
When you get started with teaching them about substance abuse
prevention, here are some of the things that can be done in this regard.
- Explaining
To Them The Nature Of Substance Abuse – The first thing to do to teach
about substance abuse prevention
is making children understand the problem’s nature. Let your child know what
they are up against and their dangers, both health and legal.
Of it all, the first things they must understand are the health-related
consequences of substance abuse.
And then there are the potential legal troubles, especially when it comes to
controlled substances like cocaine and marijuana, which tend to be banned. - Make Them
Aware Of The Specific Substances – Let them understand the kinds of
substances that have the potential for abuse. Doing this will help them know
what to look out for.
In other words, let them know the drugs in specific such as cigarettes,
alcohol, etc, so that they can better identify potential dangers.
In addition to the above, ensure that you inform them about any legal dangers
that they carry, such as narcotics which are banned in most countries in the
world. You cannot aim for substance
abuse prevention with your child if you don’t let them identify the
exact substances to be avoided. - Encourage
Them To Resist Peer Pressure – One of the things that have been
a driving factor of substance abuse is peer pressure.
When there is a strong social incentive for substance abuse, it is very likely
that many people will cave in.
this makes it necessary for parents to help their children understand what peer
pressure is and learn to resist it. - Help Those
Manage Friendships – Friends tend to be one of the most influential
people in our lives. When you have the right kind of friends, one can achieve
greatness. On the other hand, the wrong kind will bring you down to their level
and worse.
Keeping this in mind, it is important that parents help their child to know how
to differentiate between the ‘right’ and ‘wrong’ kind of people.
Done right, it will help out immensely with substance abuse prevention as well as other
dangers.
- Teach
Them the Value of “No” – A great way to achieve substance abuse prevention
is just a simple “No”.
That one simple word is usually more than enough, when faced with any pressure
or temptation to indulge. - Let them
know that you are approachable – Many children feel rather
hesitant to talk to their parents about anything. This makes it difficult to
talk with them about things like this. The way to get around this is to let
them know that you are approachable to talk about anything in their lives.
In other words, let them feel free to ask you regarding drugs, and answer them
with patience and honesty. You don’t have to tell them anything, but don’t
drive them away.
It may be an uncomfortable topic or even a confusing one, but you will have to
teach them on the right approach to dealing with the matter. - Clarify
Misconceptions – Misconceptions are one of the biggest problems
when it comes to substance abuse issues. One of the most common is that
everyone is doing it; which normalizes the addiction itself.
Let your children understand that it is a major problem in society, but also
that not everyone does it, nor should they be a part of it. - Do not
consume any substances in front of your children – This
applies even if you happen to be an addict.
Your actions have a strong impact on what your child thinks as being normal. It
will seem rather hypocritical for you to talk about substance abuse prevention on one end,
while abusing them on the other. - Quit Your
Own Addiction – If you are an addict, try quitting your addiction
and let your kids know about it. Doing so helps them understand what you are
doing is wrong and is something to be avoided. - Supervise
Your Child With Exposure To The Media – This is especially true in the
case of young children. Today’s media is filled with the abuse of substances,
whether of alcohol or anything else.
Adults may understand that it’s just entertainment, but children might get a
different message.
It is therefore important for parents to supervise their children with regard
to television, the internet, newspapers, etc. - Lay Down Family Rules – By
laying down family rules regarding substance abuse, you will be able to teach
them what is acceptable and what isn’t. This will help your children to better
think for themselves, as they grow up.
As a whole, know that if you’re a parent that it is very important that you start talking to your kids about the dangers of substance abuse.
The issue is clearly something which has to be solved at a societal level. But at the same time, it has to start in the home, if it is to be successful.
Given that it has become widespread in today’s world, doing so will go a long way in ensuring they lead happy lives.
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