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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Not My Kid: Most Parents Unaware Teen Is Using Study Drugs - Yahoo! News

It is so true that many parents do not know their kids are doing drugs...I wrote a book years ago for the parent to help stop drug use--but by the time parents knew they needed to read the book, it was too late! It is very rough to get a parent to recognize they are head for drug hell with their kid--but the first and BEST way to see a problem coming your way, is when a parent of another kid tells you--yes, most parents are warned first.  By other parents that they put down in conversations with their spouses..because they can't/won't hear it. So they ridicule tha parent who tells them their child is using. I've seen it so many times. My advice, if a parent of your friends tells you your child is using...even if that person is a crumb bum...stupid, raising their kids wrong..listen. with both ears. In the meantime, read this:

Not My Kid: Most Parents Unaware Teen Is Using Study Drugs - Yahoo! News: "In the poll, just 1 percent of parents said their teenage children had taken drugs such as Adderall or Ritalin without a prescription.

That is much lower than the percentage of teens that surveys suggest are using the drugs. For example, a 2012 study of high schoolers found that about 10 percent of sophomores and 12 percent of seniors said they had used the drugs without a prescription."

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Comic books and staying off Drugs

I am not a big proponent about giving teenagers comic books to help them "understand" different topics. When AA came out with a comic book for the young people getting sober, we used to laugh and say the pages were good to roll a joint in! Typically, teens will laugh out loud when you try to give them a comic book regarding lessons they need to learn. No, the do not take it seriously. You reach teens in other ways.

That being said, comic books do work great for others, namely Preteens! Yes, the material you wanted to reach the teen with  probably won't work for them but it will work for their younger brother or sister. Kids respond and emulate kids just a bit older than them. So if you want to help your adolescent with a comic book. DON'T. But use that to help the younger sibling. Here's a good place to start:

comic-choosing-rolemodels | Drug Facts 4 Young People:

here's teh app for this: https://itunes.apple.com/app/drug-facts-for-young-people/id381333205?mt=8

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Recovery Radio Show: What is rational Recovery?

I am a firm supporter of the recovery radio stations and I encourage any new members or treatment centers to make Saturday nite an infotainment night by popping the corn and listening to :Been there Done Tat" Radio Show. This weeks show is about rational Recovery--a hot topic among 12 steppers...take a peek:

Been There Done That Talk Recovery Radio Show: "Exploring the Diversity of 12 step programs and Rational Recovery you do not want to miss this enlightening show that will explore two very different paths to recovery this topic is one to clearly stir the pot on tonight’s show. People are very territorial when it comes to how they got sober, or what kind of support they received and from where they got that support. This territorialism goes right down to the treatment center they attended or therapist that worked with them or we become best of friends with those we have recovered with. A very strong sense of community develops. This is a controversial topic. The 12 step program believes that addiction/alcoholism is a disease and Rational Recovery believes that it is not."

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Teen Prescription Drug Abuse Jumps 33%

Parents--watch your medicine cabinet. You know, when I was a kid--I was a straight A student--was
seldom in trouble -worked--and stole meds form my friends parents medicine cabinets...keep your eyes open--it is such an easy target.

Prescription Drug Abuse Jumps 33%: "The prescription drug abuse epidemic in the United States has begun to affect our children as a new national survey shows a 33% increase in prescription drug use by teens since 2008. Unfortunately, the experts say, parents may be playing a role in their teens' attitude about the non-medical use of prescription medication.

Parents can take a more proactive role in preventing teen drug abuse, health officials said.
The latest The Partnership Attitude Tracking Study (PATS) released by The Partnership at Drugfree.org shows that one in four teens admit to misusing or abusing a prescription drug at least once in their lifetimes. That is an increase of 33% over the past five years."