Pubdate: Thu, 05 Jan 2006 Source: Wasaga Sun (CN ON) Copyright: 1996-2005 Metroland Printing, Publishing and Distributing Contact: http://www.simcoe.com/sc/wasaga/contact/v-scv3/ Website: http://www.simcoe.com/sc/wasaga/v-scv3/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3885 Author: Dr. Charles Gardner Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth) DRUGS - LET'S TALK ABOUT THEM As parents of children and teenagers, we do what we can to keep them safe. So, what can we do when it comes to drugs and our children? We can start by being honest and talking to our children about them. The fact is drugs are an everyday part of our lives. From over the counter medications like headache pills to cough drops, our children have learned from an early age that drugs can make them feel better. They also see tobacco and alcohol used around them, whether that's by family members or by those they see on television or in the movies. And, they are experimenting themselves. According to the 2005 Drug Use Among Ontario Students survey, which looked at drug use of the past year among students in Grades 7 to 12, 62 per cent have drunk alcohol, 22.7 per cent report binge drinking and 26.5 per cent have tried cannabis. More than one quarter of students in Grades 7 to 12 report being a passenger in a vehicle driven by someone who had been drinking. And 22 per cent report being a passenger in a vehicle driven by someone who used drugs prior to driving. Research shows that young people who have interested adults in their lives tend to delay experimentation with drugs and alcohol. The longer that delay, the less likely someone is to develop a long-term substance abuse problem. Interested adults want to know what kids are thinking, feeling and doing. Talking doesn't require any special equipment or training and it doesn't cost anything, yet talking frankly about drugs can be tough for many parents. Sometimes we're afraid we won't know the answer to a difficult or awkward question. Sometimes we're worried we won't have the right information. Sometimes we're so busy waiting for "the right moment" that we miss the chance to talk. Opportunities to talk are all around us. Even a couple of minutes can make a difference. In the car, during commercials, at half-time or intermission, over dinner or the dishes; you'll be surprised how easy it can be to find an opening. Sometimes, it can even be a news story or a scene in a movie that acts as a trigger to a discussion. And if you don't know the answer, maybe that's the opportunity for you and your child to find it together. If most of your opportunities to talk come while you are on the move, program a list of topics into your cell phone or write notes to yourself. When the material is at hand, and the moment is there, seize it. Encourage your children to ask questions about drugs and alcohol and answer those questions honestly. It takes a little determination, and some practice, but it can be done and the results are worth it. For more information about talking to your children about drugs, call Health Connection at 721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520 Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and talk with a public health nurse. - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin