- Children are more prone to use drugs or alcohol when their upbringing and environment leads them to believe it is OK. Open communication among caregivers and children on the subject of drugs and alcohol equips youth with the tools to understand there are consequences that result from substance abuse. It is beneficial for children to learn early that drug and alcohol use is not seen as acceptable by the family. Caregivers should arm children with the emotional tools to avoid giving into peer pressure.
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Caregivers should set clear rules and consequences to disobeying rules. Children who learn they cannot get away with everything and that there are consequences to their actions are more likely to follow rules and stay away from drugs and alcohol.
Setting rules and consequences is useless if children are not supervised. Supervision is essential to catching disobedience and spotting signs of problems early. - A healthy family environment that is full of love reduces the risk of substance abuse. Strong family bonds where the child has a support system in place aids a child in having positive self-esteem. Children who are allowed to openly talk about their feelings and problems with their caregivers benefit from having a solid source of support to help them through their lives.
- Children who spend their days surrounded by healthy individuals are less likely to become substance abusers. Church, youth groups, school clubs, sports and schools that provide positive teacher influences are all possible resources to provide children with healthy daytime environments.
- Caregivers who recognize signs of drug use or substance abuse risk behavior should take intervention measures. When there are barriers in communication in the family, family counseling should be sought to remedy the problem. Therapy with a licensed psychologist or psychiatrist should be provided for youth who have behavior problems, mood disorders or who suddenly withdraw from family and school. A child should undergo counseling with a drug addiction therapist or be admitted into a drug rehabilitation program if he has a substance abuse problem.
