Early Intervention

Researchers have proved that good communication between parent and child helps reduce the likelihood of substance abuse when they are older. Parents may need to learn new parenting skills or improve on the ones they have to keep their children from a history of substance abuse. Substance abuse includes drugs, alcohol, and cigarettes.

Attitudes about drinking, drugs, cigarettes, and sex begin in the home. Children begin learning about substance abuse at earlier ages than in the past. Children are exposed earlier to the temptations of drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, and sex. Examples of 10 and 11-year old girls having babies are a sad commentary on where out world is today. Most of us in the boomer generation were still playing with baby dolls and Barbies when we were that age. The media, computer sites, newspapers, and magazines glorify the lives of those who are using drugs, drinking and driving, and having being a single parent. What should we do as parents to undo these negative impressions?

We should start early in the child’s life to provide the discipline they need so they can be strong enough to stand up to peer and media pressure. As a parent it is important to know what is going on in your child’s life. Keep the lines of communication open and get involved in their schoolwork, extracurricular activities, and know whom their friends are. Communicate your expectations to your children in a positive way and expect them to live up to them. If you cannot name three of your child’s closest friends, you should get more involved in their life. Parents struggle with knowing where to draw the line from watching their child too closely and not being involved enough. To find that fine line, you will need to know your child. That means talk to them, listen to them, and guide them. It also means doling out discipline when it is called for.

Researchers find a significant difference when a parent learns new parenting skills in relationship to substance abuse problems. Improved parenting skills often mean an improvement in children’s attitudes about alcohol, drugs, cigarettes, and sex. Fathers are an important part in the early intervention of substance abuse. Fathers who took an active role in parenting had children that were strong enough to withstand peer and media pressure. It is important that parents or co-caregivers stay on the same page with discipline. You must stand together when teaching your child about substance abuse. Schools are giving drug abuse prevention programs to their students but these programs need to be reinforced by the adults in your child’s life. There is a known link between positive parenting skills and substance abuse intervention.

We as parents need to know our children learn by example. If you drink, smoke, and use drugs, your child will be an increased risk for being a substance abuser. Help your child to learn by example. Their eyes are watching you far more closely than you know.

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