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their self-esteem. Teens who doubt themselves or feel disregarded by their parents are often the ones
who seek alcohol or other drugs. Parents should be as involved in their child’s life as they can. Motivate
your children to strive for excellence and ensure that they have a positive self-image. Diminish stress and
practice stress-relief strategies with your children to teach them healthy ways to relax.
Talk to Teens
Early Research studies indicate that approximately nine per cent of parents do not teach their children
about the dangers of drug abuse. Overwhelming evidence shows that a parent’s lessons and involvement
reduce the risk of substance abuse habits, particularly when started at an early age. Therefore, it is crucial
for parents to talk to their children early and often about the drugs they may encounter. Let them know
the dangers of getting involved with drugs and that you find it unacceptable.
Warn About Peer Pressure

Whether from new friends or strangers, teens will encounter peer pressure during their middle or high
school years. When you discuss drug abuse with your kids, be sure to warn them about peer pressure and
how to handle it. Explain to your children that peer pressure is the influence you feel from others to do
something you otherwise would not. A peer could be a friend, coworker, classmate, acquaintance or
anyone you admire. Peer pressure may occur directly or indirectly. Direct pressure involves peers explicitly
asking you to do something. Indirect pressure
happens when you witness others engage in an activity and are motivated to do the same. The famous
slogan “Just Say No” is a basic template for dealing with peer pressure.
Warn your children that peer pressure can take many forms, and sometimes the friends your teen trusts
the most end up being the ones who encourage them to experiment with drugs. Teach your children how
to identify these situations, and how to be above the influence of their peers. They may tend to think that
saying ‘no’ makes them look uncool. It is important to let them know that resisting peer pressure, and not
following the crowd, may be the coolest thing they can do.
Recognize what drugs look like, how they are consumed, and how they are stored
For example, marijuana is generally smoked. This is done by rolling marijuana in paper. It can also be
cooked in foods. Crack cocaine is smoked in glass pipes or snorted, typically using a straw, rolled dollar bill,
or a small spoon. Heroin is injected typically into the arms or legs. Drugs such as marijuana are stored in
small plastic bags, foil packets, or film canisters.
Enforce Consequences for Drug Use
Establish clear rules on the unacceptable use of alcohol and other drugs early in a child’s life. If they violate
the rules of the house, make sure there are consequences. A lack of repercussions can lead to repeated
experimentation and drug abuse. Parents can foster good behaviour by suspending a teen’s privileges or
enforcing some other consequences for abusing drugs
Monitor Their Activities
Parents should try their level best to keep tabs on their child’s schedule and whereabouts without looking
intrusive. If they mention any parties or sleepovers, make sure you know and trust the parents or
chaperones who are supervising your children. Children should not have any inhibition or problem sharing
this information with you. If they hide or are reluctant to tell you, that might indicate a problem. Do not let
your children stay out too late or attend any gatherings
that seem suspicious to you.
Parents whose children are into substance abuse should be familiar with the
typical hiding places for drugs (especially at home). These include but are not
limited to: stuffed toy animals, stereo speakers, the base of lamps, books/
magazines, CDs, vents, closets, pillows, parent’s room, car trunks, bushes,
soda cans, etc. While monitoring their activities this closely may seem
invasive; a study revealed that high levels of parental monitoring are Alka Yadav | (PGT Chemistry)
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associated with low frequencies of substance use. Suraj School, Kosli