A Parent's Guide For Teaching Children About Drugs & Alcohol

1. A PARENT'S GUIDE FOR
teaching children ABOUT
DRUGS & ALCOHOL
NG YOUR
T EAC HI
I LDR EN
CH T DR U GS
ABO U
L CH O HOL
A ND A

2. Table of Contents
It’s Time to Talk
An Introduction
Set the Example
Actions You Can Take to Positively Influence Children
Talking with Your Children
Help Them Develop Good Decision-Making Skills
What Every Parent Should Know
Establish a Plan for Prevention
What to Do When Your Child Needs Help

3. “IT’S TIME TO TALK.”
When your children are young, the focus is on helping them grow and develop, learn
through play and explore their immediate world while keeping them safe and strengthening
the bond that exists between you. As your children grow and their world expands to the
neighborhood, their school and the surrounding community, your concerns for them will
naturally grow as they are exposed to a greater potential of dangers.
Talking with your children and teaching them about drugs and alcohol is one of the most
effective measures you can take toward prevention.
The University of Rochester Medical Center suggests
that you can begin very basic, age-appropriate
conversations about drugs and alcohol with
children as young as five years old. At this point,
a conversation may consist of saying "The people
in that commercial are acting silly when they drink
beer, but they have to be careful because drinking You are one of your children's
strongest lines of defense and their
too much can be very dangerous. Children shouldn't greatest ally in helping them avoid
drink alcohol because it's not safe." Discussion these dangers.
prompts such as this one will pave the way for
questions and answer sessions that can help you build a foundation
of safety and prevention that can be built upon as your children grow olde
older.
Children as young as nine or 10 years old are exposed to drugs and alcohol, states Central
Michigan University. Around this time many schools begin drug prevention education. Be
encouraged to talk with your children once they reach the age of pre-adolescence, but know
that it's not too late if your child is an adolescent or teen. Use this book as a guide to help
you ensure that you approach your children with the right information, words, body language
and attitude, while also setting an example that supports your effective discussions.

4. TEACHING YOUR CHILDREN ABOUT DRUGS & ALCOHOL :
AN INTRODUCTION
Statistics show that the majority of children will not use drugs or alcohol. Yet those who do
represent the staggering numbers of adolescents, teens and their families who are forever
impacted by alcohol or drug use. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, 25 percent
of teens in the 12th grade will drink alcohol. This same 2011 survey revealed that 7.2 percent of
all 8th grade students smoked marijuana, increasing up to 22.6 percent by the time kids reach
the 12th grade. The study also reports that 15.2 percent of 12th grade teens abuse prescription
drugs and, although abuse of drugs such as cocaine, heroin and inhalants has declined, an
average of eight out of every 100 eighth graders is trying these drugs.
averag
Parenting is one of the toughest jobs in the world,
and talking to your kids about drugs and alcohol
isn't always easy. But it is important and can make
a difference in the lives of your children. This
book will help you have a positive and impactful
discussion with your children by having you take
a look at the influence you have in your children's
decision-makin processes as well as the attitudes
decision-making
and beliefs they form about substance abuse.
You'll also gain tips for talking with your kids,
while learning how to teach them to make healthy,
responsible decisions for themselves.

5. TEACHING YOUR CHILDREN ABOUT DRUGS & ALCOHOL :
SET THE EXAMPLE
There's a great deal parents can do as positive role models for their children. According to the
National Crime Prevention Council, parents who are positive role models have a tremendous
impact on their children, helping to prevent experimentation with and eventual abuse of drugs
or alcohol mainly because their children don't want to let them down. The things you do and
don't do communicate to your children just as strongly as the words you say.
Even when it seems as if your
children aren't paying attention,
they are and will closely follow the
examples you set.
Admit Your Mistakes So They Can Learn
The
Th Center for Child Welfare asserts that admitting mistakes they've made is a powerful way
for parents to role model for their children. In an age appropriate way you can tell your children
about a time when drinking too much alcohol or even using too much of a tobacco product made
you sick and resulted in poor decision-making. Likewise, it's important to apologize for mistakes
even when they're not related to substance abuse. Everyone makes mistakes; by being honest,
apologizing and taking action to correct your course you show your children how to do the same.

6. Actions You Can Take to Positively
Influence Children.
There
Ther are many ways to reinforce smart deci-
sion-making amongst your children. Everything
from your communication skills and your level
of involvement, to the values and skills you
teach has the potential to positively influence
your adolescent or teen.
These factors all contribute toward positive youth
development which, according to the University
of Wisconsin, helps your children overcome any
risk factors that might lead them toward substance
abuse. As you do your part to promote positive
development and growth in your children, you can
prevent them from many problematic circumstances,
including substance use.
•Positive Communication Provided Equally.
There
Ther have probably been times when you were aware
your adolescent or teen was tuning you out during a
conversation. In all likelihood, he or she felt as if you
were lecturing or admonishing. Positive communication
creates an atmosphere that encourages your child to
remain engaged and responsive during conversations.
It's also important to pay attention to how you communicate and interact with other children
in the family. Make an effort to invest equal time and attention in each child; they will notice
when you don't.
•Get Involved with Children's Activities
The
Th Mayo Clinic finds that being aware of and becoming
involved in your children's activities can have an impact on
preventing future substance abuse. Offer to volunteer at school
or afterschool events. As teens get older, they tend to not want
their parents around as much. Offset this by becoming involved
in an indirect way. For example, rather than coaching your
child's team, you can sell snacks in the booth at the end of the
field
field. Let your child know you're proud of their activity and want
to be involved, even in a small way.

7. •Set Boundaries
Adolescents
Adolescent and teens in particular have a way of testing
boundaries. This is a natural part of becoming more
independent and exploring that independency. Although you
want to encourage your children's independence, it's important
to do so within the confines of appropriate boundaries. Rules
with fair consequences that are carried out help guide your
children toward smart choices while encouraging them to avoid
behaviors that will result in negative consequences. Setting
behavior
and maintaining boundaries helps your children learn to be
responsible for their choices.
•Meaningful Use of Time.
Teach your children to use their time in meaningful ways by
doing the same so they can learn how to invest their time in
positive activities, instead of engaging in negative activities
such as substance abuse. Schedule regular family time and
don't let anything interfere with it. Using lame excuses to back
out of family time simply communicates to your children that
they're not that important to you. Engage in health-promoting activities together, such as going
on family bike rides. Demonstrate the importance of giving to others by volunteering, even once
in a while, and including your children in the efforts.
•Promote Good Values.
Promoting good values within your family helps prevent drug and alcohol use, finds the
University of Kansas' Community Toolbox. When your behaviors and actions demonstrate the value
of honesty, integrity, self-respect and other healthy characteristics, your children will naturally follow
in preserving the values that are upheld within the family.
•Help Them Develop Social Skills and
Self-Confidence.
Good social skills and self-confidence help your
Goo
I lo v e y ou!
children learn to interact with others in positive ways.
Provide your kids with ample opportunities to interact
with others, both children and adults, who will model N ic e J o b ! !
appropriate social skills. Affirm your children's efforts in
specific ways to help cement effective social skills. For
instance, rather than saying "You did a great job talking
to so-and-so" be specific with words such as "Good job
I’m pr ou d
using eye contact and nodding your head when talking of yo u!
with so-and-so; that showed her you were listening."
Set reasonable limits for activities that do not promote
social skills, such as video games and the use of social
media networks.

8. Reducing Risks by Promoting Protective Factors
The
Th steps you take toward setting a good example for your children can help them make good
decisions at home, but these decision-making abilities must extend to the outside world to provide
the greatest effect. No matter how well you do at role modeling for your child, he or she will
face other potential risk factors in the outside world. The National Institute on Drug Abuse finds
that these risk factors, as well as ones that are present within the home, can be counteracted by
promoting protective factors.
Risk Factors That Influence Substance Abuse Amongst Children
The existing balance between protective factors and risk factors impacts your children's
propensity toward substance abuse, says the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Although
it's not possible to completely eliminate all risk factors, you can reduce their effects by
outweighing them with protective factors. This list consists of some of the protective factors
that can help prevent your children from becoming involved with drugs or alcohol.
• Able to get along with others easily
• Possesses positive self-worth and good social skills
• Has a good relationship with parents
• Feels connected to surrounding social support
systems, including family, school and community
• Belongs to a family that does not model risky behaviors
• Has friends who are a positive influence
• Enjoys an overall positive experience at school
• Involved in extracurricular activities
• Surrounding community is supportive and caring
Protective Factors That Help
Prevent Substance Abuse Amongst Children
Risk factors can be present due to the child's personality or behavior.
They can also be caused by familial circumstances, situations with peers and issues at school.
This list contains some of the factors that can place a child at risk for drug or alcohol use.
• Difficulty getting along with others
• Presence of mental health issues
• Early experimentation
• History of substance abuse or other risky
behaviors in the family
• Lack of parental support or appropriate boundaries
• Friends who pose a negative influence
• Difficulty at school
• Low socio-economic conditions

9. Before You Sit Down to Talk
Plan ahead for your sit-down discussion so everyone involved will be free to spend the time
without worrying about work, homework or activities. If you will be speaking with your children
along with a partner, it's wise to talk beforehand about what you want to say and how you want
to say it. A united front helps to avoid sending mixed messages to your children. Choose a time
of day that helps everyone give their attention to the conversation. Squeezing in a talk at the
end of the day when everyone is tired can be counterproductive.
The Actual Discussion
According
Accordin to the National Council on
Alcoholism and Drug Dependence,
Inc., children whose parents talk with
them about alcoholism and drug abuse
are 50 percent less likely to use these
substances. Clearly, you can make a
big impact on your children through
conversation and open discussions. A
conversatio
productive conversation involves more
than talking, and children will be more
receptive when you talk with them,
rather than at them. The following
considerations will assist you when
the time comes to have an actual
conversatio
conversation with your children.
•Starting the Conversation.
Begin by explaining the reasons why you want to talk to your
children about drugs and alcohol. Adolescents and teens
may greet the opening of your conversation by rolling their
eyes, but they still need to hear that you love and care for
them and want to help them become more independent while
remaining healthy and safe. To avoid defensiveness and any
misconceptions that you don't trust them, tell your children
you'll feel better if you know you've talked with them about
the dangers of drug and alcohol use.
•Practice Active Listening.
Ask
As questions to find out what your children already know. Use open-ended questions to elicit
more in-depth responses, and let your children know you're listening by maintaining eye contact
and rephrasing some of the things they say. Listening to your child can enlighten you as to some
of their misconceptions or experiences so you can tailor your discussion to suit their individual
needs. If you're talking with more than one child at a time, make sure to give each one a turn to
ask and answer questions.

10. •Be Consice.
A PARENT'S GUIDE FOR B e concise and stay on topic to avoid losing
your children's attention and interest. Explain
teaching children ABOUT facts about what can happen when someone
uses drugs or alcohol. Give detailed, practical
examples of things your kids can do to avoid
DRUGS & ALCOHOL temptation or respond to peer pressure. If you
don't know the answer to a question your child
asks, it's okay to say so. Write the question down
asks
and promise to find out the answer and get back
to them later.
•Keep it Age Appropriate.
It's
It' important to be honest with your children, but
OUR
keep your conversation age-appropriate. Let your
NG Y
children know the seriousness of substance abuse,
EAC HI
but don't scare them. It's okay to explain that drugs
T
EN
and alcohol can make a person sick physically and
LDR
mentally, and you can go into age-appropriate detail
CH I
about these things. But it's not necessary to use
scare tactics, such as pictures of people on drugs
scar
U GS
or affected by drugs to drive home your points.
U T DR
Encouraging Questions and Comments
Adolescents
ABO CH O HOL
Adolescent and teens aren't always forthcoming with their thoughts, and sometimes they don't
ND A L
know how to ask about something that's on their mind. Encourage your children to ask questions
A
once the discussion is over by providing them with prompts. For example you might say "What did
you think about the techniques we talked about for dealing with peer pressure?" or "Do you have
any questions about what to do when someone tries to give you drugs or alcohol?" Be specific
with your questions, instead of posing general or yes-and-no questions.
Plan a Follow-Up Discussion
Before ending your conversation, set aside a time to follow up with your children with another
discussion. Let your son or daughter know that you are always available to answer questions or
talk with them. Even so, plan a follow-up, explaining to your children that it's important to you
that they have an opportunity to ask any new questions that come up.

11. Teaching Your Children About Drugs and Alcohol:
Help Them Develop Good Decision-Making Skills
According
Accordin to the United Nations Office on Drugs and
Crimes, the skills you teach and promote within your
family are one of your greatest assets for drug and alcohol
abuse prevention with your children. A strong sense of
“No thanks..” security and love within the family contributes toward your
child's ability to make healthy decisions when it comes to
drugs and alcohol. Even though you know you love your
children, make sure they know it, too.
children
Promote Good Self-Esteem
Low
Lo self-esteem can lead children to engage in risky behaviors such as substance abuse, finds the
Mayo Clinic. You can help build your children's self-esteem by giving them the opportunity to take on
new tasks, chores or skills that increase their capabilities and make them feel competent. Further build
self-esteem by complimenting your children's abilities, skills and talents in specific ways. Instead of
saying "Good job making healthy choices", it's more meaningful to say "I'm proud of you for getting
involved in the afterschool sports program; it shows that you care about being active and taking care
of your body."
Encourage Critical Thinking Skills
I f you take care of every problem your children ever have,
they'll never have the chance to learn how to problem-solve for
themselves. Young children can be encouraged to use critical
thinking skills by providing them with possible solutions to choose
from when facing a problem. As they get older, engage your kids
in conversation to help them learn how to analyze a situation,
develop possible solutions and determine which ones are the best.
Foster Healthy Independence
As your children grow older, they'll naturally want to become more and
more independent. Each child will be different, and one of your children
may be able to handle more independence than the other. Give your kids an
opportunity to explore their independence while keeping an eye on them from
afar. Know your children's friends and where they are, suggests the National
Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc.
The Impact of Positive and Negative Peer Pressure
It's not possible to be with your child every moment, which is why it's important for them to know
how to handle and respond to negative peer pressure. Discuss possible responses they can use
when someone offers drugs or alcohol, and practice by role playing. The University of Georgia
asserts that your influence over your children will diminish as they grow older.

12. The Important Role of Rules
and Boundaries
BOUNDARIES
Teens and adolescents are famous for testing boundaries. Nevertheless, it's important that
you don't waiver on this very important parental task. Helping your children develop good
self-esteem and decision-making skills is critical, but you must continue to guide them with
reasonable boundaries and rules Even the best of children do not possess enough wisdom or
life experience to deal with every situation in the right way. Setting boundaries is an effective
way to put your wisdom, knowledge and life experience to use so it benefits your children.
The amount of information available
regarding drugs, alcohol and substance
abuse prevention can be overwhelming
for a parent who simply wants to sit down
and talk to their children.
Don't worry about knowing it all;
instead, focus on communicating with
your children in a way that fosters
further discussions and bridges gaps,
suggests the National Council on
suggest
Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc.
Use this information to get started, and
plan future conversations to answer any
additional questions.

13. Commonly Used Substances and Their Potential Effects
This list does not cover all types of drugs, but provides information on those that are most
commonly used by teens and adolescents. Some of the potential side effects are listed,
which you can use to provide your children with responses to any questions they might
ask. Not everyone responds the same to each substance, but they all pose potentially
dangerous risks.
Alchohol.
Alcohol, such as hard liquor, wine and beer, is a type of depressant. Drinking alcohol
leads to decreased inhibition, dizziness, loss of consciousness and slurred speech.
Long-term abuse of alcohol can cause malnutrition due to decreased appetite and
problems with thinking and memory, while leading to blackouts in which the user
cannot recall what happened.
Marijuana.
Marijuana is a mood-altering drug and, according to the National Institute on Drug
Abuse, its use by teens has increased in the past five years, while the perceived risk
of using it has decreased. Marijuana use reduces concentration, increases anxiety
and appetite, and can cause paranoia. Long-term use can lead to lung infections and
cancer.
Synthetic Drugs.
Use of designer drugs has increased by more than 200 percent in the past two years.
Synthetic marijuana and bath salts in particular are dangerous because of their easy
availability through some gas stations, paraphernalia shops and internet sources. These
drugs can cause blackouts, paranoia, aggressive behavior, tachycardia and stroke.
Inhalants.
Glue, paint thinner and other common household products that are huffed or inhaled
pose a great danger. They cause feelings of euphoria, impaired judgment, irregular
heartbeat, psychological problems and can cause organ damage.
Prescription Drugs.
Glue, paint thinner and other common household products that are huffed or inhaled
pose a great danger. They cause feelings of euphoria, impaired judgment, irregular
heartbeat, psychological problems and can cause organ damage.
Stimulants.
Stimulants, such as cocaine or methamphetamine, kick the central nervous system
into high gear, increasing energy, heart rate and breathing, while decreasing
appetite and the need for sleep. Long-term use can lead to severe paranoia and
grossly compromised physical and mental health.
Heroin.
Heroin is the least used substance amongst children, finds the University of Michigan,
yet it bears mention due to its addictiveness. This dangerous drug causes feelings of
euphoria, numbness, malnutrition and puts users at risk for contagious diseases and
a propensity toward crime.

14. Reasons Your Children Might be Tempted to Try Drugs or Alcohol
According
Accordin to the University of Wisconsin, there are many temptations and reasons leading
children to experiment with drugs or alcohol. Curiosity and boredom are two reasons that
emphasize the importance of keeping your child involved in activities that stimulate them
physically and mentally. Children can also be tempted by rebellion or the desire to escape
physical or mental pain. Drug or alcohol use is also a form of attention-getting behavior that
a child may be tempted to use to gain the attention of a parent.
Risks of Continued Use Signs That Your Child is
If your child experiments with drugs or alcohol
Using Drugs or Alcohol
and continues using them, he or she faces Being
Bein able to recognize the early warning
the risk of progressing from substance abuse signs can enable you to prevent your child
to substance dependency, asserts Ohio State from doing more than experimenting with
University's Wexner Medical Center. alcohol or drugs. Although the earliest
warning signs are subtle and can often be
As your child keeps using the substance chalked up to typical teenage behavior,
of his or her choice, it will have an effect knowledge of your child's normal behavior
on their mental and physical health. an
and personality will help you see the
warnings. Look for a sudden change in
H e or she may begin performing poorly at school eating or sleeping patterns; watch for
and can fall into the wrong crowd. Because subtle changes in appearance such as
participating in one risky behavior can lead to lack of grooming, red eyes or a runny
other similar negative choices, a child who falls nose. Pay attention to mood swings,
into substance abuse or addiction may become avoidance, secretive behavior and other
involved in illegal or otherwise potentially harmful out-of-character behavioral choices.
out-of-characte
activities.

15. TEACHING YOUR CHILDREN ABOUT DRUGS & ALCOHOL :
ESTABLISH A PLAN FOR PREVENTION
You've taken the time prepare for a discussion with your children about drug and alcohol use,
and you've determined that you're on the right track with helping them learn to make wise
choices for themselves. Now it's time to take one more preventative measure by establishing
a plan for prevention. Talking with your children is an effective first step, but your discussion
can be reinforced by outside sources, a healthy lifestyle and the creation of a family pact to
refrain from substance abuse.
Enlist Other Resources
M DRUGS
Outside resources can help add weight to your words, especially
REHAB AT HOME
ABOUT DRUGS
during the teen years when children tend to think they know more
DR UG S
R ECO V ER Y FR O
BEHAVIORS
than their parents. If your teen has a positive relationship with
RE CO VE RY FR OM
another adult, such as a coach, adult family member or someone
in your church, ask that person if it would be possible
for your son or daughter to talk to them.
Age-appropriate books and movies can
also serve as helpful resources. Before
referring your child to another person or resource, always take the time to make sure that
resource supports what you say and believe. Additionally, don't underestimate the impact of
positive peer pressure which, according to the University of Georgia, can counteract that of
negative peer pressure
Create a Family Pact That Promotes Prevention
A personal or family plan to prevent drug or alcohol use communicates to your children
that you support their efforts and are in this together. Work together as a family to create
a promise or a few concise mission statements that
everyone can agree to and sign off on. Make the
pact something that everyone is able to adhere and
commit to. Plan to review your prevention plan as
your children grow to amend it as necessary.
Enjoy a Healthy Lifestyle Together
Being an active part of your children's lives
and engaging in healthy activities together is
highly effective in helping them steer clear of
drugs and alcohol, according to the National
Institute on Drug Abuse. Make the pursuit of
a healthy lifestyle a natural part of your home
life by preparing and eating healthy meals
togethe participating in physical activities the
together,
entire family can enjoy, and enjoying times of
rest and relaxation.

16. TEACHING YOUR CHILDREN ABOUT DRUGS & ALCOHOL :
WHAT TO DO WHEN YOUR CHILD NEEDS HELP
Discovering that your child is already involved with drugs or alcohol is upsetting and scary. It's
normal to feel confused and uncertain after being blindsided by a situation you never expected
to happen. As a parent, you still possess the ability to be influential in a positive way by helping
your child stop abusing alcohol or drugs. Use this information to guide you through the process
as you try to figure out what to do to help a son or daughter who's engaged in substance abuse.
Don’t Wait
It's
It' best not to take a wait-and-see attitude when
it comes to your children and experimentation with
alcohol or drugs. Gather your facts and allow yourself
to calm down emotionally to avoid taking an angry or
accusatory tone with your son or daughter. Present
him or her with specific instances that have raised
concern, such as "You smelled like alcohol when you
cam
came home from your friend's house last night" or "I
picked your school bag up off the floor and a bag of
pills fell out of it". Let your child know that you love
him or her and care too much to allow continued drug
or alcohol use to occur.
Seek Professional Treatment
Immediately seek professional treatment for your child if it's clear he or she has a problem with
drugs or alcohol. Love is not enough to help an adolescent or teen child safely detox from drugs
or alcohol, or recover from addiction.
A caring, knowledgeable
healthcare staff, such as those
at BestDrugRehabilitation.com,
can provide your child with closely
monitored care to detox safely before
progressing through the recovery
process. Throughout the program,
you child will receive medical care
your
and counseling geared specifically
toward his or her needs.

17. Get Support for Yourself
In the midst of finding appropriate treatment
an support for your child, it's also essential to obtain support for
and
yourself and your partner. Addiction is a family disease that leaves no
one untouched. The emotional stress of coping with substance abuse
in the family can strain your relationship with your partner, make it
difficult to focus on work and cause you to doubt yourself as a parent.
Meeting with a counselor or support group can help you work through
the process of coping with your child's substance abuse and assist
you in preparing for their aftercare.
yo
Maintain Aftercare
Addiction is a chronic illness. Similar to other chronic illnesses, lifelong
maintenance is necessary to keep the disease in check. Toward the end of
your child's rehabilitation you'll start preparing for aftercare. Depending upon
the addiction your child is recovering from as well as other factors, such as
family circumstances, or emotional or physical illness, ongoing counseling may
be recommended, along with support group attendance and life skills classes.
Be as actively involved in your child's aftercare as possible, and learn how to
best support his or her sobriety from your counselor or support group.
Helping Your Children Enjoy a Bright and Healthy Future
It's understandable that you may feel hopeless after learning that your child is abusing drugs
or alcohol. You may blame yourself and bear the weight of a tremendous amount of guilt. The
dreams you had for your child's future seem as if they're all crashing to the ground, but there
is still hope for your child to have a healthy, happy future.
A drug or alcohol rehabilitation center, such as BestDrugRehabilitation.com, can provide you and
your child the hope that comes with breaking free from addiction. During treatment, your son or
daughter will have the opportunity to detoxify safely, gain the support of an addictions counselor
and learn life skills that will assist him or her in developing healthy ways to cope with difficulties
and any temptations faced. Seeking help for your child today is one of the most loving ways you
can provide the help that he or she needs to stop using drugs or alcohol.