Many youth think using drugs, alcohol and inhalants will make them happy or popular, or help them learn the skills they need when they grow up. All children need to know abusing substances can cause them to fail at all of those things and may even cause their death. If children think “everybody’s doing it”, they need to know they’re wrong, and there is no one bett er to tell them than YOU. 

Talking Can be Hard, But it is Important 

Surveys show  drug use is less among kids whose parents “warn” against it, than whose parents never discussed it. “Warning” is not yelling. Talking with youth at a level they can understand shows them you care, as well as where you stand on the issue. Many parents don’t know how to bring up the subject or feel like youth know more than they do. Adolescents or teens may resist eff orts to talk. Some parents think their child is too young to know about drugs. Don’t hesitate— start talking!

Be Realistic

A child cannot get through childhood, adolescence, or their teen years without running into drugs. To many children in care, family drug use is “normal.” Don’t try to compare today’s world with the one you lived in at the same age. Farm, city, or suburbs — drugs are everywhere. Children will assume that if they’ve tried a drug once and nothing bad happened, they will be OK the next time. Today, over half the students in high school have experimented with drugs before they finish high school. Since the drug culture of the 1960’s, drug use has not only increased, but drug variety and potency has increased too.

Set a Good Example 

Examine your own use of drugs and alcohol. Do you tell children not to drink and then celebrate important occasions by getting a “buzz”? Do you need prescription drugs to “relax”? Children know what’s going on. It is important to practice what you preach. 

Know the Facts 

Educate yourself about drugs. PRIDE Training Module 10, available to all caregivers, covers substance abuse and fostering children from chemically dependent families. Information about drugs and alcohol is available at your local library or health department and through the Internet. 

Plan What to Say and Where to Say It 

Look for a calm time, like riding in the car, where you can both talk without being interrupted. Know exactly how you feel. Make sure other adults living in your home feel the same way, so children won’t receive “mixed” messages. Review ahead what you want to say. Don’t wait for the crisis — start talking NOW! 

When the Talking Time Comes 

Don’t lecture. Let your child talk, too. Listen. Be respectful of her right to talk and have an opinion. 

Clarify family rules about substance abuse. If you don’t know the answer to a question, say so. Suggest that you both fi nd the answer together. Discuss situations in which your child may be pressured to use drugs or alcohol and how to say “No”!  Keep the conversation going from childhood to adulthood. Keeping communication lines open and taking time to talk whenever possible will help your child in making choices when you aren’t there.