Back to School and Drug Prevention
As kids across the country are getting back into their routines with the start of the new school year, many parents are using the preparation time to have a good preventative talk about drugs and alcohol. Drug use is surging in schools due to the increased availability of prescription drugs (up to 250 million written prescriptions in 2010 compared to up to 90 million prescriptions written in 1990), a rise in stimulant drug use and over-diagnosing for kids with ADHD, and a false idea that prescription medications are somehow safer and less addictive than illegal drugs.
Most understand that the reasons for drug abuse are not usually due to drugs themselves but to underlying issues that drive an individual to self-medicate. Helping kids be happy, fulfilled, balanced, and mentally and socially active and engaged can help them fight off falling into the snare of drug abuse.
Below are five strategies published on foxnews.com to help prevent drug use — usually due to peer pressure– among school-aged kids:
- Have the “drug and alcohol” talk with your child. Equip them with the facts about drug-using consequences, without demonizing recreational drugging or drinking.
- Pay attention to red flags of underlying mental health issues, including depression and anxiety. A very large percentage of young people self-medicate in order to experience relief from untreated psychiatric issues.
- Know who your kids are hanging out with. The one most significant indicator of drug use is peer group; if your child is hanging out with drug users, odds are your child will also use drugs.
- Support their efforts to participate in sports, drama, clubs or other healthy social activities. Kids who are active in these pursuits are less likely to recreationally use drugs.
- Have dinner together with your children at least once a week to maintain a healthy, meaningful dialogue.
Helping kids feel good about themselves will equip them with needed confidence to stay away from drugs. Being involved in your child’s life and aware of their needs will strengthen and empower them. So, as a new school year begins, use these strategies and any other helpful ideas to protect your kids from drug abuse this year.
Source: foxnews.com