Spring& Summer Is the High Time For New Teen Substance Use:
According to recent national surveys on drug use and health, more teens first experiment with Marijuana and other substances in June and July, compared to any other part of the year.
The good news is that Parents can make an important difference!
Work diligently on establishing and maintaining good communication with your children by breaking down communication barriers, allowing them to participate in the conversation and be listened too so that you can develop effective two-way communication. Also learn more about monitoring the social and emotional health of your child!
- Get Involved & Monitor Their Activities:
Kids are much less likely to have mental health and substance use problems when they have positive activities to do and when caring adults are involved in their lives. Help your kids find activities and places for these activities that are substance-free. Then keep track of where, with whom, and what your child is doing.
It is essential to make clear rules and enforce them with consistency and appropriate disciplinary action. Clearly identify what actions you expect your teens to take because teens who know what their parents expect from them are much less likely to use substances, including alcohol.
Believe it or not, children like to imitate adults. This is why it is important that parents be mindful of their own actions related to the use of tobacco, alcohol, and illegal drugs as well as what they say about people with mental illness.
- Help Teach Kids To Choose Friends Wisely:
We are all aware of “peer pressure.” We understand that children want to be accepted and noticed by their peers, and sometimes this can result in making choices they may not normally make. Parents can be very helpful in empowering their kids to develop a healthy sense of self and to set positive goals early on and stick to them.
- Limit the Access Your Children Have to Substances: Children use substances that are available to them. They report sneaking alcohol from home stocks, taking cigarettes from relatives, and obtaining marijuana from people they tend to know well.
- Inform Teens About the Honest Dangers:
Some discussion of negative consequences has impact on the decisions they make. It is important to emphasize that substance use clouds one’s judgment and makes one more likely to be harmed in other ways.
Thanks so much for taking the time to read this important information!
Sincerely, Courtney Canario, MSW, LCSW
For more detailed information you can visit: http://alcoholism.about.com/od/prevention/a/blondep040604.htm?p=1
Also please feel free to contact your student assistance counselor, she is always happy to provide support, answer any questions, or help you with necessary referral information.
Courtney Frye Canario, MSW, LCSW
(401)-247-3160 X 21 or Canarioc@bpsmail.org