The Three Best Ways To Talk To Kids About Not Using Drugs
Prescription drug abuse is an epidemic that affects people of all ages.
In fact, nearly one in five Americans has admitted to abusing prescription drugs that haven't been prescribed to them.
In addition, a recent survey showed that 17 percent of American high school students are smoking cigarettes, drinking or using drugs during the school day.
Of the 1,003 students surveyed, 86 percent admitted that they knew of classmates who were using drugs or alcohol during the school day while more than half admitted that they knew of places on or close by campus where students could go to smoke, drink or get high.
In fact, almost 44 percent of students surveyed claimed that they know of a fellow classmate who sells drugs.
Although marijuana was shown to be the most common drug among teens, prescription drugs came in at 2nd place.
How To Talk To Kids About Not Using Drugs Probably the simplest way to talk to your kids about not using drugs is to tell them that they are not allowed to use them.
Let them know that they are illegal and that these acts are punishable.
Secondly, parents should talk to their kids about why some people choose to abuse prescription drugs.
They could begin to understand why these are not correct ways to use drugs and that they could be harmful when used in this way.
Lastly, talk to your children about the horrible, unwanted effects that drugs can have on you.
They may not realize that taking drugs incorrectly can lead to nausea, vomiting, headaches and other physically displeasing effects.
Other turn offs could be behaving in ways that they otherwise wouldn't behave.
This could include sexual behavior on their part or on the part of someone else.
This just may be enough to turn them off from the whole idea.
Know The Warning Signs Of Drug Use If you are concerned that your child or loved one may be abusing prescription drugs, keep an eye on them and pay attention for any of the following warning signs: changes in mood or personality, change in energy level, change in sleep habits, loss of appetite, sudden change in grades, change of friends and lastly, small eye pupils.
It has been shown that when teens are bored or have a lack of activities to keep them busy, they may experiment with drugs or alcohol.
So, by giving your kids plenty of extra-curricular activities to be involved in, such as sports, music, dance, etc.
, they are less likely to become involved with drug use.
Also, be familiar with your child's friends as well as their parents.
Keep in good communication with your teen and allow them to feel comfortable to come to you for advice.
If you find that your teen is unfortunately abusing prescription drugs or any other drugs, seek help immediately.
There are many programs that offer help with drug addiction and educating teens of the dangers of abusing prescription drugs.
In fact, nearly one in five Americans has admitted to abusing prescription drugs that haven't been prescribed to them.
In addition, a recent survey showed that 17 percent of American high school students are smoking cigarettes, drinking or using drugs during the school day.
Of the 1,003 students surveyed, 86 percent admitted that they knew of classmates who were using drugs or alcohol during the school day while more than half admitted that they knew of places on or close by campus where students could go to smoke, drink or get high.
In fact, almost 44 percent of students surveyed claimed that they know of a fellow classmate who sells drugs.
Although marijuana was shown to be the most common drug among teens, prescription drugs came in at 2nd place.
How To Talk To Kids About Not Using Drugs Probably the simplest way to talk to your kids about not using drugs is to tell them that they are not allowed to use them.
Let them know that they are illegal and that these acts are punishable.
Secondly, parents should talk to their kids about why some people choose to abuse prescription drugs.
They could begin to understand why these are not correct ways to use drugs and that they could be harmful when used in this way.
Lastly, talk to your children about the horrible, unwanted effects that drugs can have on you.
They may not realize that taking drugs incorrectly can lead to nausea, vomiting, headaches and other physically displeasing effects.
Other turn offs could be behaving in ways that they otherwise wouldn't behave.
This could include sexual behavior on their part or on the part of someone else.
This just may be enough to turn them off from the whole idea.
Know The Warning Signs Of Drug Use If you are concerned that your child or loved one may be abusing prescription drugs, keep an eye on them and pay attention for any of the following warning signs: changes in mood or personality, change in energy level, change in sleep habits, loss of appetite, sudden change in grades, change of friends and lastly, small eye pupils.
It has been shown that when teens are bored or have a lack of activities to keep them busy, they may experiment with drugs or alcohol.
So, by giving your kids plenty of extra-curricular activities to be involved in, such as sports, music, dance, etc.
, they are less likely to become involved with drug use.
Also, be familiar with your child's friends as well as their parents.
Keep in good communication with your teen and allow them to feel comfortable to come to you for advice.
If you find that your teen is unfortunately abusing prescription drugs or any other drugs, seek help immediately.
There are many programs that offer help with drug addiction and educating teens of the dangers of abusing prescription drugs.