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The values we set as a family are the strongest deterrent that we can offer our children to stay away from drugs. Ignoring the problem or sheltering our children will not make it go away, but educating them and ourselves os part of our parenting role.
In 1990, President Bush issued a statement to parents regarding their role in drug prevention and awareness; the statement is every bit as true today as it was in the 90's.
"Schools, churches, community groups, law enforcement - all can help us turn the tide on drug and alcohol abuse. But none can take a parent’s place. Drug education must begin at home and in the neighborhood long before the classroom."
The White House
February 26, 1990
TEACHING DRUG FREE VALUES
Obviously the best way to teach our children to be drug free is by example. Is your own use of tobacco, alcohol or even over the counter medications negatively affecting your children? Unfortunately, however, setting a good example is not nearly enough. The US Department of Education suggests not assuming that children have "absorbed" these values from being in a drug safe environment. Open communication with children about your feelings on drug abuse, discussing common situations with them and setting no-alcohol/no-drug-use rules and specific consequences for breaking the rules are also needed. Kids should clearly understand that the rules are not just a household rule but are the same rule wherever they go regardless of the situation.
It is possible to teach children about drugs on an age appropriate level but parents should understand that kids admit they used an average of two years before their parents knew about it!
1) Preschoolers
Parents can start teaching about drugs by instilling a value of respect for our body. By pointing out harmful household poisons and cleaning products, and teaching medicine bottle safety, young children can lean to only put good things into their body to stay healthy and strong. Work with children to increase their decision-making skills, communication, problem solving techniques and self confidence can also help prevent drug abuse, as they get older.
2) K-3rd Grade
Studies show that children, ages 5-9 years old, can mix fantasy and fact. Television only adds to this problem. When parents discuss drugs with school age children it can help to include real stories, real people, and see concrete consequences. Explain the difference between good drugs (prescribed by a doctor and closely followed instructions) and harmful drugs. Children at this age are also very trusting of anyone older than them and will need to be reminded that it is not always "right" just because someone tells them to.
3) Grades 4-6
This is an important time for parents to ask a lot of questions not just "Where did you get it" but "Will parents be there?” Kids will be testing limits that parents need to be united and firm on. As friends become your child’s focus you will need to know who their peers are and make sure that your home environment is full of activities, communication, and unconditional love! Role-play possible drug offering scenarios and help your kids form a ready response to say in these situations.
DRUG RECOGNITION
Parents need to be more informed about drugs and alcohol than our children are. We cannot educate our children with current and correct information if we are not first educated. What should your goals be and where do you start? Through drug recognition. By working with local law enforcement agencies and by obtaining parenting guides available through the Department of Education (1-800) 646-0100; parents should be able to learn the most common drugs in their area, what they look like and dangers associated with each. It is important for parents to know the street names of the drugs and be able to identify drug paraphernalia as well.
Learning about drugs can be easier to understand by classifying them into categories.
1) Hallucinogens
The drugs in this category often block the pain receptors in our brain, time and body movement are slowed down and speech is difficult to understand. After extensive use, users become violent with illusions or hallucinations. Physical effects include loss of appetite, dilated pupils, increased heart rate, high blood pressure, tremors and sleeplessness. Some of the most common names of hallucinogens are: Phencyclidine (Street name: PCP, Angel Dust, Hog) Psilocybin (Magic Mushrooms) LSD (White Lightening, Sugar Cubes)
2) Stimulants
Rightly named, stimulants stimulate the heart to beat faster and affect the blood pressure, blurred vision, dizziness, and anxiety or sleep deprivation. Stimulants have similar effects of hallucinogens and can also cause stroke or heart failure. Amphetamines (a.k.a. speed, Uppers, Black Beauties, Footballs, etc.) Metamphetamines (Crank, Crystal Meth, Speed) are both stimulants that can be taken orally, injected, or inhaled.
3) Depressants
Barbiturates, (Downers, Blue Devils, Red Devils, Yellow Jacket) Are colorful pills that have many of the same effects as alcohol causing slurred speech, altered perception and large doses can result in convulsions and death. Methaqualone (Ludes, Quaaludes) and Tranquilizers (Valium, Librium, etc.) are also depressants.
4) Narcotics
There are a long list of common narcotics including Heroin, Morphine, Opium, Meperidine commonly known as Demoral, Pethidne or Mepergan which can be taken orally as a white powder or tablets. All the mentioned narcotics can also be injected and some smoked, eaten or inhaled.
HELPFUL RESOURCES
New street drugs are being developed everyday by modifying the chemical structure of current well known drugs. "Designer Drugs" are designed to be more potent than the original drug causing severe effects to the user. To stay on top of new drugs and find more educational resources the Federal Domestic Volunteer Agency has community based drug prevention projects ongoing. Parents can also contact their local school for more information in contacting the National PTA Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Project in Chicago, IL.
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