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10 Steps to Prevent Adolescent Drug Use

These 10 steps were designed to help you prevent childhood and adolescent alcohol and other drug use.

The 10 steps will be helpful, but no plan can be foolproof. Young people are influenced by the media and general attitudes of society, and parents can't be everywhere.

And of course, no parent is perfect. There are times after a busy day at work that the best parent would rather yell "Shut up!" than say "What I hear you saying is that you don't like what I have cooked for dinner...." Luckily, children are tougher than we sometimes think. What really matters is not the isolated episode of anger or insensitivity but the total tone of the relationship.

You have shown you care about the parent-child relationship simply by taking time to read this booklet, and no doubt that caring comes across in communication with your child. In the final analysis, that's what it's all about. Translating that caring into action, like the 10 steps, can strengthen that parent-child relationship and increase the chances that your child will make healthy lifestyle decisions - now and throughout life.

Step One: Talk With Your Child About Alcohol and Other Drugs

Challenge These Myths:
  1. All famous and talented people drink alcohol or use other drugs.
  2. When things go wrong, having a drink or taking other drugs will help.
  3. Alcohol is harmless. It can't hurt me.
  4. I am better at sports when I drink or take other drugs.
  5. Drinking and using other drugs are the best way to "party" or celebrate.
  6. Drinking and other drug-taking may relax people and makes it easier for them to be friendly.
  7. Young people who drink and use other drugs are popular.
  8. All young people drink a little and smoke cigarettes. The ones who don't are oddballs.

Explain These Reasons Why Minors Should Not Drink or Use Other Drugs:

  1. Drinking alcohol is dangerous for children.
  2. Children's day-to-day activities and alcohol and other drugs do not mix.
  3. Alcohol use is illegal for minors.

Step Two: Learn to Really Listen to Your Child

  1. Rephrase your child's comments to show you understand.
  2. Watch your child's face and body language.
  3. Give nonverbal support and encouragement.
  4. Use the right tone of voice for the answer you are giving.
  5. Use encouraging phrases that show your interest and keep the conversation going.

Step Three: Help Your Child Feel Good About Himself or Herself

Use These Esteem-Building Skills:
  1. Give lots of praise.
  2. Praise effort, not just accomplishment.
  3. Help your child set realistic goals.
  4. Don't compare your child's efforts with those of others.
  5. When correcting your child, criticize the action, not the child.
  6. Take responsibility for your own negative feelings.
  7. Give your child real responsibility.
  8. Show your children you love them.

Step Four: Help Your Child Develop Strong Values

A strong value system can help children say "no" to tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs and can give them the courage to make decisions based on facts rather than peer pressure.

Step Five: Be a Good Role Model or Example

Your own drinking and smoking habits and attitudes about others' drinking and smoking may strongly influence your child's perceptions about alcohol and other drug use.

Step Six: Help Your Child Deal With Peer Pressure

Practice These Peer Pressure Skills:
  1. Teach your child to value individuality.
  2. Explore the meaning of friendship with your child.
  3. Give your child the support needed to say "no."
  4. Know the facts about youthful drinking and other drug use.
  5. Use peer pressure to your advantage.
  6. Encourage your child to practice saying "no."

Step Seven: Make Family Policies That Help Your Child Say "No"

It may be helpful to verbalize specific family rules regarding alcohol and other drug use and the consequences of breaking those rules.

Step Eight: Encourage Healthy, Creative Activities

Hobbies, school events, and other activities may prevent children from experimenting with alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs out of boredom or idle curiosity.

Step Nine: Team Up With Other Parents

When parents join together in support groups, they can take broad steps that will reinforce the guidance they provide for their children at home.

Step Ten: Know What To Do If You Suspect a Problem

Parents can learn to recognize the telltale signs of alcohol and other drug use. Young people who use alcohol and other drugs may need professional help to stop.

If you suspect your child is using drugs, but are not sure, you can call one of our prevention specialists and discuss the situation. In Guilford County call (336) 812-8645 and ask to speak to a Prevention Specialist. In Alamance or Caswell County Call (336) 532-0500. 

If you know your child is using drugs and feel he or she needs clinical help, please call and make an appointment with one of our counselors (High Point: (336) 882-2125; Greensboro: (336) 333-6860; Burlington: (336) 532-0500; Yanceyville:(336) 694-4333; Hickory: (828) 449-1022.)