It is important to set clear ground rules in your family about alcohol, tobacco and other drug use and to let your kids know that you will enforce these rules.
The most important thing to remember is that it is never too early or too late to take action regarding your kid’s and drug use. Parents are the most important part of a kid’s life; your actions on their behalf can make a difference.
For more information on how to talk to your kids click here.
For helpful tips on monitoring youth and setting clear ground rules click here.
How can you tell if your child is using drugs or alcohol? It is difficult because changes in mood or attitudes, unusual temper outbursts, changes in sleeping habits and changes in hobbies or other interests are common in teens. What should you look for?
You can also look for signs of depression, withdrawal, carelessness with grooming or hostility. Also ask yourself, is your child doing well in school, getting along with friends, taking part in sports or other activities?
For more information about warning signs click here.
If you suspect your teen might be using alcohol or other drugs
click here for helpful guidance on what to do and when.
TheAntiDrug.com was created by the National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign to equip parents and other adult caregivers with the tools they need to raise drug-free kids. Working with the nation's leading experts in the fields of parenting and prevention, TheAntiDrug.com serves as a drug prevention information center, and a supportive community for parents to interact and learn from each other.
Parenting Is Prevention
www.parentingisprevention.org/
Parenting IS Prevention is an organization aimed at providing accurate information, support, and resources to assist parents and others in raising children to be healthy, drug-free, productive adults.
Talking With Kids About Tough Issues
http://www.talkingwithkids.org/
This is a national initiative by Children Now and the Kaiser Family Foundation to encourage parents to talk with their children earlier and more often about tough issues like sex, HIV/AIDS, violence, alcohol, and drug use. Their website offers practical information for families that will help open the doors to better communication. Aimed primarily at parents of school-age children. Online guides are available in English and Spanish.
Hablamos en Confianza is a bilingual fountain of resources. You will find articles and information that will help you talk to your children about alcohol, tobacco, and illicit drugs.
Hablamos en Confianza, es un fuente de recursos bilingüe. Aquí encontrará articulos sobre el abuso y el consumo de sustancias que perjudican. Le ofrecemos información que le ayudará a communicarse mejor con sus hijos acerca del alcohol, tabaco, y drogas ilicitas.
A Family Guide To Keeping Youth Mentally Healthy & Drug Free
http://www.family.samhsa.gov/main/about.aspx
A public education Web site developed by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to communicate to parents and other caring adults about how they can help promote their child's mental health and reduce his or her risk for becoming involved with alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drugs.
http://www.preventionnetwork.org/pam%20homepage.htm
Provides guidance, materials, resources, referrals, and technical assistance. PAM encourages a broader understanding and acknowledgment of the importance of effective parenting.