The Why Behind the Stats
When hearing statistics on drugs use among teens, many parents ask “WHY”? There are a number of reasons WHY kids are in danger of abusing drugs.
Here are a few commonly asked questions:
WHY does my child make risky decisions? I’ve taught him/her well. WHY doesn’t he/she know better?
Many parents struggle with that very question. It turns out that according to A. Thomas McLellan, Ph.D., Treatment Research Institute, brain development continues into the early 20’s. The last part of the brain to develop is the decision making region. So while you may think your child is engaging in risky behavior, they may not have the ability to judge situations as well as an adult.
WHY does my child take the advice of their friends before they listen to me?
Many parents feel that their child’s friends are more important to them than family. In fact, there is probably no one time in an individual’s life when the influence of peer pressure is stronger than in adolescence. Peer pressure is the result of a need to be accepted within social groups and gain freedom from parents and other authority figures. However, peer pressure situations can also lead to the temptation to use drugs, and parents should teach children to make their own, informed decisions when offered drugs.
WHY does my child feel that drug use is “normal?”
Parents are aware that talking to their child about drug use is an important deterrent, however, it is impossible to block the images that the media portrays that glamorize drug use. Drugs are normalized by television shows, movies, and music, and are often seen as “just what kids do.” While these images are found in every aspect of the media, it is important that parents identify and discuss these images with their children
WHY is communication between me and my child so important?
According to the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, “Significant parental involvement” is the most important factor in deterring young people from using drugs. Communication is the key to building a strong relationship with your child and keeping them drug-free.
WHY is dinnertime so important to preventing drug use for my child?
According to The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse, teens that have two or fewer family dinners per week are twice as likely to smoke daily and get drunk monthly. Family dinners create communication between you and your child, and you’d be surprised what you discover about your child through a simple conversation around the dinner table.
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