NCJ Number
109850
Date Published
1987
Length
16 pages
Annotation
This booklet instructs parents in preventing their children's drug abuse, identifying when drug use has become a problem, and getting help for their children and themselves.
Abstract
An overview of why youth use drugs encompasses peer pressure and feelings of depression, inadequacy, loneliness, and boredom. Suggestions for drug abuse prevention are the development of healthy family relationships, parent education about drugs, and talking to children before drug use begins. Aspects of healthy family relationships are the fostering of healthy self-esteem, healthy behaviors, and loving discipline. To assist parents in identifying drug use by their children, the booklet lists symptoms of drug use and describes the phases of drug addiction. Guidelines for intervention encompass talking to the child and disciplining the child. Aspects of healthy and unhealthy communication about drug use are described. Suggestions for healthy discipline include letting the child experience the natural consequences of drug use and setting rules that will reduce the child's exposure to and opportunities for drug use. The booklet discusses when professional drug abuse treatment is indicated and its characteristics. Parent-peer support groups are described. 6 recommended readings and a list of sources for additional information.