What can parents do to most effectively discourage drug use in their children?

     Many people who use drugs tend to start using when they are young. Sometimes it's in college in their twenties, and sometimes it starts even earlier in the teen years. Using drugs at a young age while the brain is still developing can have a profound effect later in life. However there is an effective deterrent that can be used: parents. According to the National Crime Prevention Council, "Research shows that the main reason that kids don’t use alcohol, tobacco, or drugs is because of their parents -- because of their positive influence and because they know it would disappoint them. That’s why it is so important that parents build a strong relationship with their kids and talk to them about substance abuse -- the earlier the better!"

     Drugfree.org says that kids who learn a lot about the risks of drugs and alcohol from their parents are up to 50% less likely to use than those who do not. Several tips are offered to help teens make healthy choices. Parents should do things like talking and listening regularly, being directly involved in their child's everyday life, setting limits, and making it clear that they do not want their child using drugs or alcohol. The conversation over drugs should be an ongoing thing, and not just a one-time speech.

Dan FR

References:

http://www.ncpc.org/topics/drug-abuse/alcohol-tobacco-and-other-drugs

http://www.drugfree.org/prevent

http://www.livescience.com/36148-talk-kids-drugs-alcohol-tips.html