7 Tips For Talking To Your Child About DrugsWritten by Nicole Brownfield
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§Give honest answers. Some parents who used drugs in past choose to lie about it, but they risk losing their credibility if their children discover truth. This does not mean that you need to recount every moment of your experience - some details should remain private. §Ask clarifying questions to make sure you understand exactly what your child is asking, and why, before answering questions about your past drug use, and limit your response to that information. §Don't react in a way that will cut off further discussion. If your child makes statements that challenge or shock you, turn them into a calm discussion of why your child thinks people use drugs, or whether effect is worth risk. §Role-play with your child and practice ways to refuse drugs and alcohol in different situations. Acknowledge how tough these moments can be. §Repeat message. To further help your child resist traps of drug and alcohol addiction, experts suggest that you remain current on drug market and street lingo, set effective guidelines and rules, strengthen your relationship with your child’s school, and be a good role model for your teen. For more advice, or to locate right treatment facility for you, call Center for Substance Abuse Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP.
Nicole Brownfield 71 County Road 269 Stevenson, AL 35772 (256) 437-8788 jnb8788@aol.com
| | 10 Signs That Your Teen Is Using DrugsWritten by Nicole Brownfield
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Drug use can lead to a host of significant health, social, learning and behavioral problems at a crucial time in a young person’s development. Getting high also impairs judgment, leading to risky decision making on issues like sex, criminal activity or riding with someone who is driving high. If you believe that your child may be using alcohol or drugs, don’t overreact. Some of warning signs listed above may be normal for your teen and some signs may have other causes. One cannot ignore reality of teenage drug and alcohol abuse, however, so presence of three or more of these warning signs should prompt a discussion with your teen and an evaluation of whether professional help is needed. For more advice, or to locate right treatment facility for you, contact your pediatrician or call Center for Substance Abuse Referral Help line at 1-800-662-HELP.
Nicole Brownfield 71 County Road 269 Stevenson, AL 35772 (256) 437-8788 jnb8788@aol.com
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