How to Prevent Teen Drug Use
Teen drug use is a realistic issue that should not be ignored. Assuming that your teen is too smart to use drugs or ignoring warning signs that she needs help can lead to disaster. Educating your child about the dangers of drugs at a young age, talking to your child and being a big presence in her life can help to stop your teen from making the mistake of getting involved in using drugs.
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Instructions
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Talk to your teen about different types of drugs and why drugs are dangerous. Explain to him, in words that he can understand, how addiction works, and give examples of how addiction can ruin his future. Your kids will learn about drugs from their friends and the media no matter what, so it is best that they hear the truth from you.
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Keep prescription medications in a safe place. If you have a health issue that requires you to be on prescription narcotics or other potent pills, it is your responsibility to keep track of them. Don't leave the pills any place where your teen may feel tempted to steal them and experiment with them.
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Enroll your teen in after-school activities. If your daughter is busy playing a sport or acting in the school play, she will have a fulfilled life and will have less time to complain about being bored, which can lead to trying drugs.
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Be an active part of your teen's general life. Have daily meals together and regular conversations. Know who his friends are. If you are clued in to your teen's life, you are more likely to notice if his behavior changes.
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Look out for warning signs of drug use. It is possible for any teen, even a straight-A student or star athlete, to make a mistake or cave in to peer pressure. Some signs of potential teen drug use include glassy eyes, random mood swings, spending a lot of time alone and missing allowance money.
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Make sure that your teen knows the consequences if she is caught doing drugs. Some ideas for a punishment can include grounding your teen, taking away your teen's cell phone or having your teen do extra chores. Choosing a consequence that you know will bother your teen the most can work as a deterrent to stop your teen from trying drugs.
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Approach your teen if you believe something is wrong. There are ways to choose your wording carefully. You do not have to flat-out accuse your teen of doing drugs if you are not sure. However, keep in mind that you are the parent and have every right to ask for an explanation if your child is acting out of the ordinary.
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Tips & Warnings
Be a good example. Don't drink and drive or participate in any other behavior that will make your teen think that it is okay to bend the rules.
Know what to do if your teen confesses to having a drug problem. As mad as you may be, it is important to get your teen help for his addiction right away.
References
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