Stronger Family Relations = Less Drug Use
A recent study published in Drug and Alcohol Dependence shows that having strong and open family relationships may discourage family members from using drugs. The study noted communications between 675 parents and children of Latino families. The study focused solely on Latinos due to the fact that Latino adolescents have a higher risk of abusing drugs.
The researchers in the study observed students when they were in fifth grade and then followed up with them again when they were in seventh grade, two years later. Because it has been shown that this is the age range when kids are most likely to begin experimenting with drugs, this particular age group was observed. Further, this is also an age at which it has been shown that parents are least likely to have a close relationship with their children.
The results of the study showed that parents have a huge impact on their children’s choices in regards to drug use as far as how they communicate with each other and whether or not they develop solid relationships. Also key is having a united front on the subject of drug use as parents. When both parents agree on the subject while discussing drug use with children, there is a much stronger impact and kids show less tendencies to abuse drugs later.
Research also shows that a great way to have open and honest communication within a family is to have family dinners whenever possible. That time together around the table has proven to develop meaningful family relationships and open communication which leads to more trust within the family and less drug use.