This Web site is a component of the SAMHSA Health Information Network.

Employee Fact Sheet #6

What Parents Need to Know . . .

Helping Your Children Steer Clear of Alcohol and Other Drugs

It can be scary to think that your child might use alcohol or other drugs. It may help you to know that many parents share your fears. But don’t let fear hold you back. Now is the time to do something. Children are being exposed to drugs at younger ages. Some parents want to believe that their young children have never tried drugs and won’t ever develop a drug problem. The facts are . . .

Children are pressured to use drugs . . . 1 in 4 children in 4th grade say there is peer pressure to use marijuana. Almost half of 6th graders report peer pressure to drink alcohol. Almost half of 4th, 5th, and 6th graders say they feel pressured to smoke cigarettes. 1 in 4 children in 4th, 5th, and 6th grades feels pressured to use crack/cocaine. Children use drugs to fit in . . . 4 in 10 children in 4th, 5th, and 6th grades say they would begin using alcohol to fit in and feel older. 4 in 10 children in 4th, 5th, and 6th grades say they would use crack/cocaine to fit in and feel older. Some children already use drugs . . . 2 percent of all 12th graders get high on marijuana every day. 13 percent of 8th graders and 30 percent of seniors had binged on alcohol (consumed 5 or more drinks in a row) in the 2 weeks just before the survey. Drugs are available to children . . . A recent study indicated that half of 11th and 12th graders said it would be easy to buy drugs at school. 80 percent of all 12th graders say it would be easy to get marijuana. Studies show that the younger a child is when he or she first uses alcohol, marijuana, or cigarettes, the more likely it is the child will have some type of drug abuse problem later in life.

Why Do Children Choose to Use Drugs?

Children care a lot about what other children think. Sometimes the desire to be popular or "cool" can lead children to do things that are dangerous. When children try to make other children do something they shouldn’t, like use alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs, it’s called negative peer pressure. Peer pressure can be positive too. Positive peer pressure is when children encourage each other to do things that are good for them, such as joining school clubs, studying for tests, or learning good ways to say "no" to negative peer pressure.

Will My Child Use Drugs?

Hopefully not. The following chart describes traits shared by children who are good at saying no to negative peer pressure. Check off all that apply to your children. Work on any that you can’t check off at this time so that you improve your children’s chances of resisting negative peer pressure.

q Self-confident q Friends don’t use drugs q Knows about dangers of drug use

q Is not often home alone after school q Enjoys fun and educational activities q Is proud to be trusted with chores and is praised for doing them well

q Likes school q Able to make own decisions q Has good relationship with parents

The Importance of Self-Esteem

Your child is less likely to use drugs if he or she has high self-esteem. People with high self-esteem feel good about themselves. Studies show that people who have drinking and drug problems usually have low self-esteem. The following are some ways you can help increase your child’s self esteem:

• Give lots of praise for effort as well as success.
• Teach your child to set realistic goals.
• Give your child regular responsibilities.
• Show your children that you love them with lots of hugs, kisses, and saying "I love you," because children are never too old to be told that they are valued.

Be A Role Model

Remember that your children look up to you -- you are their most important role model. Because children copy adult behavior, being a good role model means that you show with your actions the proper way to behave.

When it comes to setting a good example for children about alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use, consider these guidelines:

find outlets other than drinking or smoking when you feel stressed emphasize the health benefits of not drinking, smoking, or using illegal drugs show your children how to deal with peer pressure by setting a good example.	give your children mixed messages by letting them drink at home but not when they are out allow illegal drugs in your house involve your children in your alcohol or other drug use; they shouldn’t get your beers or light your cigarettes.

The Importance of TLC

alk Take time to talk with your child. Do it now; don’t wait until there is a problem. Tell your children that it’s important not to use alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs because it can make them sick and cause them to lose their friends and self-respect. Using drugs also can result in making bad decisions. When children are high, they are less able to judge the risks of behaviors such as unprotected sex, which can result in being infected with the HIV virus. Using drugs can also get children in trouble with the law. Alcohol is an illegal drug for minors, and tobacco is an illegal drug for children under 16 years of age in most States.

isten Ask your child if he or she has been pressured to try illegal drugs. Help your child think up good ways to say "no" to negative peer pressure. Encourage your child to ask questions. If you don’t know the answers, say so! Maybe you and your child can look for the answers together.

are Care enough to make family rules about your child not smoking, drinking alcohol, or using other illegal drugs. Explain what the punishment will be for breaking the rules, and make sure you are willing to enforce them. Try to avoid doing the things you won’t let your child do. Also, care about your child’s activities outside the home -- encourage him or her to take part in hobbies, sports, school clubs, or community events. Children who are busy with fun activities are less likely to try drugs out of boredom.

What To Do If You Think Your Child Is Using Drugs

If you think your child has used alcohol or cigarettes, explain that using drugs is illegal and bad for your child’s health. If you are afraid your child is using other drugs or has developed a drinking problem, call a trained addictions counselor. If your workplace has an employee assistance program (EAP), call the program for help. Look in the telephone book under "addiction," "alcohol," or "drug treatment." Call your health department, area hospitals, treatment facilities, or your child’s school counselor for information.

Your child may not need treatment, but you should speak with a professional about your concerns. If your child does have a problem, it is very important for the whole family to take part in the treatment. Sometimes, certain family members don’t want to get involved in the therapy. Usually it’s because they are covering up problems of their own. Don’t let that stop you from getting help.

Sometimes help for young children and teens is hard to find. Don’t give up. Help is available, even though it may not be easy to find.

Where to Find Help

National Hotlines

If you or someone you know has a problem with alcohol or other drugs, call these hotlines for free, confidential help.

The Center for Substance Abuse Treatment’s (CSAT) Drug Information, Treatment, and Referral Hotline:

Publications

The following list of readings can be ordered for free by calling the National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information at 1-800-729-6686:

Ask for the telephone number of your State clearinghouse -- the RADAR Network -- from the National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information.

More information about alcohol and other drug abuse can be ordered for a fee from these publishers:

Also check your local library or bookstore.

Local Resources

Look in your local telephone book for these numbers:

Alcoholics Anonymous Alateen (for children of the user) Al-Anon (for family members and friends) Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACOAs) Narcotics Anonymous Nar-Anon (for family members and friends)

Drug Treatment Center Cancer Society Lung Association County or State Addiction or Mental Health Agency County/Victim/Mental Health Hotline Other