NCJ Number
96806
Date Published
1984
Length
309 pages
Annotation
Written by a former drug addict who founded the Palmer Drug Abuse Program in Houston in 1971, this book explains how parents can promote self-esteem in their children, how to prevent drug abuse among teenagers, and how to establish a successful drug rehabilitation program.
Abstract
An examination of adolescent development focuses on teenagers' natural needs to explore and to be accepted and how these needs often result in their turning to drug use as an acceptable form of behavior. The ways in which fear and guilt often lead parents to compound their children's problems are presented, together with more effective responses as well as appropriate parenting techniques for both young children and adolescents. Marijuana is discussed, with emphasis on the view that it is the most dangerous chemical of all, largely because of lack of awareness of its effects and the problem of psychological dependence. The role of the media in promoting drug abuse is described, with emphasis on movies and popular music. Methods of helping youths seek treatment and succeed in recovery are presented. Step-by-step guidelines for establishing a successful drug rehabilitation program based on the 12 steps to recovery used in Alcoholics Anonymous are included.