Pubdate: Wed, 30 Aug 2000
Source: Florida Times-Union (FL)
Copyright: The Florida Times-Union 2000
Contact:  http://www.times-union.com/
Forum: http://cafe.jacksonville.com/cafesociety.html

CHILDREN: FAMILY DYSFUNCTION

Many drug prevention advocates urge parents to get involved with their 
children and to talk to them about drugs. Some parents are doing exactly 
that, but not with the results intended.

In a recent survey of people in drug treatment programs, conducted by 
Phoenix House drug treatment centers in Florida and three other states,

20 percent said they had used illegal drugs with parents, usually before 
they turned 18. Seventy-six percent of those people had smoked marijuana 
with their parents, 19 percent had used crack with them and 16 had shared 
cocaine.

What's more, 5 percent actually were introduced to drugs by their parents.

As the Phoenix House president grimly put it, "Some parents today regard 
teenage drug use as no more than a youthful rite of passage. ... We have 
met the neighborhood drug pusher, and he is us."

Perhaps that should be no surprise. Drug use has been widespread for over 
30 years. Parents who grew up in a drug culture and who use drugs aren't 
known for responsible behavior.

The day before this story broke, coincidentally, Reuters reported that 
studies show strong religious beliefs may stem substance abuse. In addition 
to getting themselves treatment, when needed, parents might be well advised 
to see that their children have some religious upbringing. The extended 
family -- grandparents, aunts and uncles -- needs to watch carefully and 
intervene when needed.

A young person's potential should not be wasted, if it can be avoided.
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