Be a parent

September 26, 2006 Last Updated: September 26, 2006 02:34 PM Education

Know where your teens are AND what they are doing

• Maintain an environment of open and honest communication in your home as a weapon for preventing a drug problem from ever beginning.

• Give a clear, consistent message that alcohol or other drug use isn’t acceptable and that use will have consequences.

• Praise your child. Children with high self-esteem are less likely to use drugs.

• Get to know your child’s friends and parents. Find out those parents’ standards.

• If you suspect that your child is using drugs, present the evidence calmly and rationally, without providing an opportunity for the son or daughter to lie.

• If you identify any alcohol or drug-use warning signals, don’t delay. Options include involving a professional to help determine what to do next, making an appointment for a drug assessment for your child and getting help for yourself through parent support groups such as Families Anonymous, Tough Love and Alanon.

• The National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information has materials to help parents talk to their children about drug use. Contact: National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information, P.O. Box 2345, Rockville, MD 20847.

• Be on the lookout for CHANGES IN YOUR CHILD'S PHYSICAL WELL-BEING, such as an unhealthy appearance, bloodshot eyes, a constant runny nose or cough, or a major change in eating or sleeping patterns. These could be signs of drug use, although they also could indicate other problems.• Look for SUDDEN CHANGES IN A CHILD'S MOOD and behavior, such as unusual hostility, irritability or secretiveness, resistance to discipline, poor concentration and short-term memory and a drop in grades.• Be watchful for DRUG-ORIENTED GRAFFITI on school books or notebooks.• Beware of REGULAR USE OF THE TERM "PARTY". It could be a not-so-subtle symptom of chemical abuse.• Be aware of TELLTALE BEHAVIORS OF INHALENT ABUSE, including sitting with a pen or marker near the nose; having paint or stain marks on the face, fingers or clothing; missing chemicals at home and hiding rags, clothes or empty containers of potentially abused products in closets or other places.• TALK OF DROPPING OUT OF SCHOOL could be an early warning sign of drug use.• Check the car for SIGNS OF DRUG AND DRUG PARAPHERNALIA.

Last year more than 750,000 16- and 17-year-olds reported driving under theinfluence of drugs.21% of sixth grade students said they had drunk alcohol at least once in the past year. Yet only 5% of parents said their sixth grade child has tried or is using alcohol.Drug abuse poses a threat to all families, and no child is immune.