You Docs: Kids take cues from parents on drug use | Wichita Eagle

 Talk to your kids about drugs and drug use. What you say matters. We know from research that that kids in treatment have a better recovery rate if their parents are in a 12 step program. Whether you know it or not, kids do notice. You can can't prevent their disease, but you can influence how fast they find recovery--set your home rules, let your kids know what you think..and be consistent. Read about the latest research here:
 

You Docs: Kids take cues from parents on drug use | Wichita Eagle: The list of movies aimed at kids that show (supposedly) lovable stars who use drugs is long and well-known: There’s “Cheech and Chong,” “Harold & Kumar” and the entire “Hangover” series (including the tiger – don’t ask). Helping teens stay away from recreational drugs is a big job and one that, unfortunately, some parents don’t feel they’re up to or don’t feel they have the clout to make a difference. That’s info from a new survey by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration after talking with more than 67,000 Americans over the age of 12.

The upshot: 22 percent of parents don’t think what they say about drug use will change how their children act. But research shows that nothing could be further from the truth. Among kids who feel their parents strongly disapprove of marijuana use, only 5 percent are willing to risk it; but more than 30 percent of kids whose parents don’t make their anti-drug message clear are willing to experiment with pot. Mom and Dad, you are the health guides in all areas — from drugs to doughnuts to sleep.

Protecting local kids from their parents’ pills

I almost had to laugh when I read the headline for this article "Advocacy group, Shoppers Drug Mart battle a growing problem" as if--come on, this is new growing problem! I remember in high school (the 60's) how we used to go through our friends parents bathroom cabinets for diet pills. The parents seldom caught on. OK, we should think about this the same way we think of our booze, but its not new. If kids really really want to drink and do drugs, they will hang out with kids that drink and do drugs and they will find a way. 

Its like they say about thieves--locks on doors keeps the honest people out, not the thieves. Its a good idea to "hide" the pills to stop the experimenter -but that hardly will stop the determined kid and it definitely will not stop the addicted kid!

Protecting local kids from their parents’ pills: "While drugs and alcohol use among teenagers has always been a concern, the fastest growing trend is the abuse of prescription drugs, explained Marc Paris, executive director of Partnership for a Drug Free Canada.
One in five teenagers has used prescription drugs for recreational use, said Paris, often during what he described as “pill parties”. "

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Parents aren't talking to their children about substance abuse | KSBY.com | San Luis Obispo, Santa Maria, Santa Barbara, Paso Robles

Although I believe that it is vitally important to talk to our children about the inherent dangers of alcohol and drug abuse--and stupid choices that kids make when they are in the "bullet proof" phase of their teen years...I never want to give the impression that parents can prevent addiction--certainly they can help prevent theem making the stupid choices, and maybe they can help prevent impaired driving by staying alert and on top of things. but do not forget that addiction (including alcoholism) is a disease--a real disease.

I would love to say that having meals 4 times a week with your kids would prevent addiction, but it won't. So do what you can to help your kids grow up but never forget that with addiction, you can cure it and you can't control it...Here the article that spurred this blog:

Parents aren't talking to their children about substance abuse | KSBY.com | San Luis Obispo, Santa Maria, Santa Barbara, Paso Robles: "Many parents aren't talking to their kids about the dangers of drugs and alcohol.
A new report from the government's substance abuse and mental health services administration finds nearly one in 10 parents didn't discuss smoking, drinking, or drug abuse with their teenagers during the past year."

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