Here are some measures to avert teenage drug abuse:
1. Know your child’s activities
Pay close attention to your child’s movement. Discourage him/her from involving in activities that are harmful and immoral
2. Establish rules and consequences
Make it known that you will not tolerate drug abuse. Standards may incorporate leaving a gathering where drug abuse happens and not riding in a vehicle with a driver who has been using drugs. Make an arrangement on the consequence of failing to abide.
3. Know your child’s friends
In the event that your child's friends abuse drugs, your child may feel obliged to explore as well. Become acquainted with his/her friends and their guardians.
4. Keep an eye on prescribed medications
Have an inventory of all prescribed medications in your home and keep them out of your teen’s reach. If your teen needs to take doctor prescribed pharmaceutical during school hours, it should be administered by the school attendant.
5. Provide support and attention
Offer commendation and support when your teen succeeds, be it at school or at home. One of the factors for drug abuse is lack of attention and support
6. Be a good example to your child
Try not to abuse drugs yourself.
7. Look out for red flags
Look out for red flags such as:
i. Change in companions, dietary patterns, sleeping pattern, appearance, or educational performance
ii. Loss of enthusiasm for social gatherings
iii. Hostility
iv. Secrecy about activities or belonging
v. Stealing cash or an unexplained requirement for cash
vi. Drug containers, in spite of an absence of ailment in your teenager's room
Ginari Gibb Price is a certified child and adolescent psychiatrist who specializes in substance dependence, anxiety disorder, depression and autism. She is an ordained Baptist Minister.
1. Know your child’s activities
Pay close attention to your child’s movement. Discourage him/her from involving in activities that are harmful and immoral
2. Establish rules and consequences
Make it known that you will not tolerate drug abuse. Standards may incorporate leaving a gathering where drug abuse happens and not riding in a vehicle with a driver who has been using drugs. Make an arrangement on the consequence of failing to abide.
3. Know your child’s friends
In the event that your child's friends abuse drugs, your child may feel obliged to explore as well. Become acquainted with his/her friends and their guardians.
4. Keep an eye on prescribed medications
Have an inventory of all prescribed medications in your home and keep them out of your teen’s reach. If your teen needs to take doctor prescribed pharmaceutical during school hours, it should be administered by the school attendant.
5. Provide support and attention
Offer commendation and support when your teen succeeds, be it at school or at home. One of the factors for drug abuse is lack of attention and support
6. Be a good example to your child
Try not to abuse drugs yourself.
7. Look out for red flags
Look out for red flags such as:
i. Change in companions, dietary patterns, sleeping pattern, appearance, or educational performance
ii. Loss of enthusiasm for social gatherings
iii. Hostility
iv. Secrecy about activities or belonging
v. Stealing cash or an unexplained requirement for cash
vi. Drug containers, in spite of an absence of ailment in your teenager's room
Ginari Gibb Price is a certified child and adolescent psychiatrist who specializes in substance dependence, anxiety disorder, depression and autism. She is an ordained Baptist Minister.