KEEPING KIDS CLEAN:
How Parents Can Prevent
Alcohol or Other Drug Use
q Be a role model. Be aware of what you say and what you do when coping with stress. Let your actions match your words.
q Give a clear, consistent message that alcohol or other drug use is unacceptable and that use will have consequences.
q Listen to your children. It tells them that they are respected and their feelings are important.
q Ask questions about your child's activities.
q Teach children coping skills for stressful situations and how stress can be managed without alcohol or other drugs.
q Educate your children regarding the dangers of alcohol or other drugs.
q Praise your child. A child with high self esteem is less likely to use alcohol or other drugs.
q Spend time together. Meet their friends and get to know the parents.
q Keep life interesting by keeping children active in sports, clubs or activities. Participate with them whenever possible.
q Be a parent, not a friend. Give children attention and the assurance that you'll be there with help, guidance and love.
q Be consistent. Don't let children drink at home. Illegal is illegal at home or anywhere.
q Let children know that peer pressure can be rejected. Role play with them and discuss these refusal skills:
- Switch topics or walk away
- "No thanks, no way!"
- "Drugs are bad for you. Why would you use them?"
- "I thought you were smarter."
- "I don't want to go to jail."
- "Why do you keep asking me when I said no?"
- "I don't use drugs."
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Signs and Symptoms of Alcohol or Other Drug Use
q Drop in grades, decline in study habits or attitude about school, attendance problems;
q Loss of interest in activities including sports, clubs, community activities;
q Change of friends, dropping old friends and questionable new friends, not bringing new friends to the home;
q Decline in self esteem;
q Change in eating or sleeping habits;
q Pushing limits, defying authority or breaking rules;
q Dishonesty or stealing;
q Undependable or irresponsible;
q Lack of initiative or motivation;
q Personality change, uncharacteristic behavior (more withdrawn or outspoken), unpredictable, inconsistent, mood swings;
q Paranoid, secretive, guarded;
q Physical changes including energy level, personal hygiene, eyes (bloodshot, dilated, glazed, pinpoint pupils);
q Use of cover-ups (sunglasses, breath mints, incense, room freshener);
q Drug paraphernalia or containers;
q Impaired memory, concentration or confusion;
q Quick tempered and volatile, change in tolerance or frustration level; or
q Isolating or withdrawing from family activities.