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Think
your teens are clean and sober? You might want to think
again. Although recent surveys show that alcohol and
drug use among teens has declined, conversations with
teens and parents indicate these substances are still
widely used at younger and younger ages.
Some teens report experimenting with cocaine, ecstasy,
heroin and steroids. However, alcohol, marijuana and
inhalants (i.e. common household products that give off
intoxicating fumes) rank as the top drugs of choice
since they are inexpensive and easy to get.
Taking
a proactive choice
Parents
who have raised teenagers say that simply forbidding
them to drink or do drugs is not the answer. In fact,
the more you lecture them, the greater the chance
they'll try them -- just because you say they shouldn't.
Instead, they suggest:
 Know
what types of drugs your teens might be using.
Aside from peers, the Internet is teens' #1 resource for
information on how to get high. At www.theantidrug.com,
you can learn about the many drugs available to teens
and the dangers they pose.
Teenagers'
brains and bodies are works in progress -- talk with
them about how damaging alcohol and other drugs can be
to them. Research
shows that teen brains respond to alcohol differently
than adult brains. As little as one drink affects their
ability to think and speak clearly and move well. Teens
that begin drinking before age 15 are four times more
likely to develop an alcohol dependence than those who
begin at age 21. They are also more likely to develop
other types of drug abuse, delinquency, antisocial
behavior in adulthood and a decline in educational
achievement. For stories from teens about drug use and
abuse, link to The National Institute on Drug Abuse
website at http://teens.drugabuse.gov/stories/index.asp.
Keep
the lines of communication open. A
survey conducted by the Partnership for a Drug-Free
America found that kids who learn about the risks of
drug use from their families are less likely to use
drugs. For tips on how to talk with your teen about
alcohol and other drug use and abuse, link to www.theantidrug.com/ei/conversations_teen.asp.
Be
a role model. Though
they may seem all gown up, you still have the ability to
influence your teens' attitudes in positive ways.
Preaching about the evils of drug and alcohol use will
have virtually no impact. Your actions can.
Set
clear rules and repercussions for drug and alcohol use (loss
of family trust, loss of driving privileges, etc.).
Talk
about legal ramifications. Simply
drinking a beer under age 21 could lead to a $50 fine,
up to 30 hours of community service and participation in
an alcohol awareness program. A conviction for driving
while intoxicated can cost thousands of dollars in
fines, higher insurance rates, and the loss of drivers'
licenses. Illegal use of other drugs can lead to arrest
and jail time.
Encourage
positive extracurricular activities. The
more active they are, the less unstructured time they
have to fill experimenting with alcohol and drugs. But
be aware that even the most involved students can still
be pulled into negative behaviors.
Know
what your teens are doing away from home. Although
they are forging their own lives, they still need
supervision and loving support. Know your teens' friends
-- if you think they are using drugs, your teen may also
be doing the same. Call to make sure parties will be
supervised. Parents of kids who have developed serious
alcohol and drug problems say that if they could do it
over, they would more carefully monitor where their kids
spent their free time and with whom. Although you won't
stop them from experimenting with drugs if they decide
to do so, keeping tabs on them can send the message that
you care.
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permission to reprint this article, please contact the
Capital Region BOCES Communications Service at (518)
464-3960.
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