Pubdate: Tue, 18 Nov 2003 Source: Penticton Western (CN BC) Copyright: 2003 Penticton Western Contact: http://www.pentictonwesternnews.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1310 Author: Helen Kankaanpaa RAISING DRUG-FREE KIDS No parent likes to admit that their child may be abusing drugs. Often to avoid this, parents go to covering up, enabling or denying that problems exist. Mostly, they do this out of love. Parents can take positive steps to lower their child's risks. But they must become informed about drugs. Gateway drugs, like tobacco, alcohol and marijuana, are so-called because they introduce the user to stronger drugs. Not all proceed to stronger drugs, but some do. Other drugs include amphetamines, barbiturates, cocaine, heroin and hashish. Find out what drug paraphernalia looks like. Prescription drugs, like Ritalin and Prozac, need to be closely monitored. Inhalants are commonly found right in your own home. Combinations of alcohol and drugs and excesses of any drug can be deadly. Parents must be clear about family rules and set age-appropriate consequences for breaking rules. Openly discuss the fairness of rules, enforce consistently and review periodically. Keep communication flowing - get to know their feelings about drugs. Teach your child how to say "No" to drugs, by role-playing. Saying "No, I have other things to do today" and then walking away, gives your child a tangible tool. Parents can be positive role models. Parents need to evaluate their own values and views on drugs. With a culture that has grown up with easy access to drugs, it is easy to rationalize their use. Openly discuss drug use with your child. When facing life's struggles, whether quitting smoking or trying to lose weight, it is okay for your child to see that failing is an opportunity for learning. It will make it easier for them to share their struggles with you. Set a good example on using prescription medicine. If you take drugs for mild aches and pains, your child learns that all pain needs to be suppressed. Medication to children should be dispensed by an adult. Demonstrate responsible alcohol use. Children should never mix or serve alcohol to guests. Children should never be served alcohol. Show positive ways to deal with stress - physical exercise, talking out problems and lifestyle changes. If you suspect that your child is abusing drugs, it requires tough parenting. It may require parents to actively propel their child into treatment. Children using drugs can con, lie and steal to support their habit. Trained counsellors can help to establish an effective treatment plan. Parents play an active role in treatment. A sad reality is that drugs are easily accessible to children. Schools, homes and streets are not drug-free zones. Courage is needed to help your child. Know the Signs * Excessive influence by peers * Withdrawal or isolation; * Aggressive or hostile behaviour; * Valuable belongings missing - drugs are expensive; * Evidence of drug paraphernalia, rolling papers, pipes, knives, eye-drops; * Physical changes like red eyes, runny nose, not due to a cold, frequent sore throats. - --- MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart