How Parental Involvement Can Prevent Drug Use

Parents play an integral role in the way children perceive alcohol and drugs. It is important that parents maintain a strong and open relationship with their kids and talk to them about substance abuse early on. Research shows that the main reason children do not use alcohol, tobacco or drugs is because of their parents. Ways to build a positive relationship between parents and children in order talk to them about substance include:

• Establishing and maintaining good communication that way it is easier to guide them towards positive activities and friendships. In the Journal of Studies on Alcohol, parents who communicated and were involved with their children at ages 10 and 11, set clear expectations for their children’s behavior, practiced good supervision and consistent discipline, and minimized conflict in the family had children who, at ages 11 and 12, were more likely to see alcohol use as harmful and less likely to initiate alcohol use early. They were also less likely to misuse alcohol at ages 17 to 18.

• Getting involved in your child’s life because teens are less likely to get involved with drugs when a caring adult is a part of their life. Studies have shown that a positive relationship between parents and adolescents can serve as a protective factor, offsetting the risk of substance abuse.

• Making clear rules and enforcing them through consequences or giving praise.

• Being a positive role model by setting an example for your children.

• Helping your children choose friends wisely by involving your children in positive group activities as a way to reduce risky behavior. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism as adolescents develop, drinking behavior becomes less influenced by parents and more influenced by peers.

Teens and young adults are vulnerable to substance abuse due to major transitions. Although, teens and young adults are entering a stage in life where they are becoming more independent, it is still important for parents to have an active role in their child’s life.

ADAPT is here to help you talk to your children and make a difference within your home and community. Contact us and request more information or tips on having these discussions.

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