Teen drug use has become one of the most harmful epidemics in the modern era. Often times, the only hope for preventing teenage intoxication is through a stable family life. This parental guide details seven steps that can be enforced at home to keep teens safe from dangerous chemicals.
Be a Role Model
By being a person your kids will want to be someday, you can encourage sobriety through drug-free living. Showcase all of the ways a successful lifestyle revolves around responsible habits. Parents can do a great service if they are willing to embody clarity and wisdom. They learn from all you do after all.
Provide Home Schooling
Schools commonly neglect to educate students about the hazards of drugs, so the task of teaching is left to parents. Therefore, it is wise to explore the topic before teens discover substances on their own time. Be realistic about the effects of drugs, and display nonjudgmental openness to answering questions. Maintain trust by avoiding hyperbole, and stick to the facts at all times.
Censor Media
A lot of today’s entertainment glorifies drug use, especially among teenagers. Fortunately, there is a lot of media that does not emphasize these unhealthy behaviors. Astute parents monitor for drug references in music, movies, and shows. Anything that portrays intoxication in a positive light should be banished.
Select Social Circles
Weed out bad influences by disallowing certain friends in the house. Encourage healthy social relationships by handpicking acquaintances. Start a network with other parents to organize a map of safe residencies for teens. It doesn’t mean you can’t be friends with others, but keep a clean house and make sure everyone knows the rules.
Lock the Medicine Cabinet
Sadly, a lot of drug addictions start from a lack of supervision within the home. Adult pharmaceuticals can be accessed if they are not locked away. Prescription drug abuse can be stopped with a keen parental eye. Make sure they know the dangers of mixing drugs.
Conduct Inspections
Instill permanent sobriety by threatening inspections. Drug tests are readily available in stores, so it is possible to directly measure all instances of ingestion. Failing to prove sobriety should be strictly punished. Before conducting these though, be sure to have open communication. Your kids will respect you when you talk honestly with them about drug use.
Get Help
If all of the aforementioned tactics fail, be willing to seek an appropriate form of drug addiction treatment that will get their life back on track. The most considerate response for a troubled teen, is to enlist them in a Willow Tree recovery program once they’re ready to change. Support groups are available everywhere!
Despite a litany of severe repercussions, it is still so easy for young minds to fall prey to addictive substances that warp their sense of reality. Their only defense might just be a proactively caring guardian and open communication between all of you.
