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Step 1
Remind your child that prescription drugs are medicines and can help people when taken correctly. After all, you don't want your child to be nervous about taking a prescription drug the next time she is sick.
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Step 2
Explain that some people take prescription drugs when they are not sick. Tell your child that these individuals will either obtain pills not prescribed by a doctor or take more pills than they were told to take by a doctor.
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Step 3
Talk to your child about other drugs, such as narcotics, tobacco and alcohol (if you haven't done so already). Educate your child about the terms "getting drunk" and "getting high." Once you've done this, tell your child that people who abuse prescription drugs are no different from people who abuse other legal and illegal substances.
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Step 4
Mention the dangers that come with abusing prescription drugs. Your child may be aware that smoking can hurt her lungs. Make sure your child knows that prescription drug abuse can damage an individual's mind, heart and other organs. Also explain that prescription drugs can be as addictive as cigarettes and other drugs. Do not be afraid to use words such as "die" or "death" when making your point about the dangers of prescription drug abuse.
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Step 5
Tell your child about punishments she will receive if she does abuse prescription drugs. This could involve you grounding the child or the child being forced to go to counseling. Also tell your child that people who sell prescription drugs can get into trouble with law enforcement officials.
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Step 6
Give your child advice on what she should do if offered prescription drugs by a friend or another child. Come up with different ways your child can say "No," and then practice these examples with your child. Tell your child to inform you if she was offered prescription drugs by anybody.
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Step 7
End by asking your child if she has any questions regarding prescription drug abuse. Be patient and allow your child to continue asking questions until she is finished. Remind your child that you are always available to discuss such topics as prescription drug abuse.
