Educating children about substances which go inside the body requires more than talking. Strategies are helpful for parents who want to teach kids about drugs and can very well save the children’s lives. Learn some of the best ways to teach kids about the dangers of drugs.
Statistics
A new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) analyzed data from 101 U.S. hospitals between 2010 and 2015, a total of 456 synthetic-cannabinoid overdoses were recorded with numbers worryingly on the rise. Such overdoses may represent a small proportion of total overdoses in the USA but it is a trend which worries statisticians and parents alike. Unfortunately, drugs tend to evolve quickly as producers make small chemical changes to stay ahead of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s ability to analyze the drugs and add to the growing list of illegal drugs database.
Teaching Kids
Parents can set a positive precedent when teaching children to never put a substance in the body unless the child is aware of what it is and the effects. Teaching this idea at home can be challenging amidst peer pressure to do things in the moment with friends outside the home. A simple strategy may involve something we all have in our home which involves information received with medication present in the home. Consider the following tips for helping children understand dangers of medication or drugs in the home:
- Read the labels and leaflets which accompany medication
- Sit down with children and read through the list together
- Ask and respond to questions in an informative way about the risks and benefits of taking medication or drugs
Lay the Groundwork
No parent, child or family is immune to the effects of drugs. Any child can end up in trouble, even those for whom an effort has been made with proper guidance from family. Certain groups of kids may be more likely to use drugs than others. Kids whose friends use drugs are more likely to try drugs and those who feel socially isolated may also turn to drugs. Some important tips can help parents educate kids about the dangers and risks associated with drug use:
- Know the child’s friends and parents.
- Be involved in kid’s lives
- Recognize signs child may be in distress or going through difficulties at school or with friends
- Provide opportunities for role-play to help child develop strategies for turning down drugs when offered. Act out probably scenarios which may occur and how to handle the situation
- Offer a warm, open family environment where kids can talk about feelings, achievements and encourage children to come forward with questions and concerns
- Explore conversations as a regular part of the day and find time to spend together as a family (connection is key)
Parenting kids can be tough. Don’t do it alone. Contact Hired Power for resources and tools to support families through addiction and substance abuse issues. Call us to find ways to help your teen get educated and receive help.
