raising drug-free kids millions of american children are on the verge of using alcohol and drugs....
TRANSCRIPT
Raising Drug-Free Kids
Millions of American children are on the verge of using alcohol and drugs.Children are first subjected to peer pressure to use drugs and alcohol as early as the 4th grade. Fifty-one percent of children have used illegal drugs by the time they are high school seniors.14 million kids between the ages of 12 and 17 become new drug users each year.
Is Your Child at Risk?
Yes!Today: 15,000 kids used drugs for the first time.
397 kids were arrested for drug use.
No family, no child is immune.
Did You Know?
Children of parents who talk to them regularly about the dangers of drug use are 59% less likely to ever use drugs.
Sadly, only 1 in 4 teenagers report ever having this conversation with their parents.
By the time a parent realizes their child is using drugs, the child has been using for at least 2 years.
The Earlier Use Begins, the More likely Addiction Will
OccurMore than 42% of the kids who begin drinking before age 15 will become alcoholics.Almost 70% of those kids will also try an illegal drug.Children who drink are 8 X more likely to become drug users.They are 22 X more likely to smoke marijuana.Kids who smoke pot are 85 X more likely to try harder drugs.
Why Do Children Use?
To rebel against parents/authority.
As recreation at parties.
To express independence.
To handle low self-esteem.
To deal with academic stress.
To deal with family stress.
For instant gratification.
Parental Use Influences Children to Use
Children of parents who smoke (cigarettes) are 60% more likely to smoke marijuana. Tobacco is the most widely abused substance.25% of 15 year olds smoke cigarettes.85% of teenagers who smoke become addicted.
Parental Influence
One of the most powerful predictors of youth drug use is when a parent or other family member is a user.
Where do kids get drugs?
National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) finds that 62% of high school students and 28% of middle school students attend drug infected schools This is up from 44% and 19% in 2002.
This means that 10.6 million high schoolers and 2.4 million middle schoolers returned to schools this year where drugs are kept, sold and used.
Where do kids get drugs?
Teenagers can easily get drugs and alcohol no matter where they live.
Most often, kids get alcohol from their own homes.
Boredom and a lot of cash lead kids to drug and alcohol abuse.
The Truth: Our Children are at Risk!
What are some of the risk factors our children face?
Genetics
Behavioral
Psychological
Social
Environmental
Risk Factors
COMMUNITY RISK FACTORS:
Poverty
Transition and mobility
Low neighborhood attachment
Community disorganization
Accepted criminal behavior
Easy availability of drugs
Poor Voter Turnout
School Risk Factors
Academic Failure
Anti-social behavior allowed/tolerated
Low commitment to the school
A negative school climate
Teacher apathy/burnout
Low PTA attendance
No interest in extracurricular events
Family Risk Factors
A family history of ATOD
Parental attitudes supporting use
Family Conflict
Significant family transitions
Marital Discord
Poor parenting practices
Parents not involved in child’s education
Individual Risk Factors
Genetic predisposition to ATOD use Decreased perception of risk Increased levels of hostility Early Aggressive behavior Delinquent friends / Gang involvement Psychological or physical problems Poor life skills; commun. decis. making Negative personal experiences: grief, etc. Poor academic performance
We Must REDUCE the RISK!
Extensive research proves; When the risk is reduced in a child’s life, the child is much less likely to abuse alcohol or drugs.
Parental power is the most effective way to discourage teen drug use.
Protective Factors
The importance of Protective Factors
cannot be overstated because they
promote positive behavior, health, well
being and personal success!
Individual Protective Factors
Help foster a resilient temperamentHelp develop positive social orientationIntelligence: help develop study habitsBonding: opportunities to contributeRecognize & acknowledge effortsEnforce clear standards/healthy beliefsIncrease chances to bond sociallySet clear/consistent boundariesTeach life skillsSet high expectations
Family Protective Factors
Parental bonding during first year of life
High levels of warmth
Absence of criticism
Sense of basic trust
High parental expectations
Clear rules re: chores & responsibilities
School Protective Factors
Parental involvement (PTA, etc.)
Parents set high academic expectations
Clear rules enforced by school/parents
Youth participation in school events
Youth included in school decisions
Participation in extra-curricular activities
Teachers are engaged and involved
Community Protective Factors
Positive social networks in place
Culture places a high value on youth
Youth are valued community members
Opportunities for youth participation
Youth community decisions are valued
Decreased accessibility of drugs & alcohol
Peer Group Protective Factors
Involvement with positive activities
Social competency is developed
Decision-making skills are practiced
Assertiveness is encouraged
Interpersonal communication skills are taught
The Basics!
Reduce Risk Factors
Increase Protective Factors
Keep your child busy!
Involve your child in school activities and community activities and church activities and family activities.The more activities your child is involved in, the less their chance of becoming drug or alcohol users.Encourage them to get a job… volunteer, etc.
Would you rather be busy…
Working on increasing the protective factors in your child’s life…
Or, busy dealing with all the problems that go along with being the parent of a drug addicted child?
The most effective deterrent isn’t the police, prisons or politicians… its’ YOU!
Teenagers are not…
Young Adults
They Are…
Big Children.
Drug Use is…
A PREVENTABLE behavior
DRUG ADDICTION IS…
A TREATABLE disease
The most important thing to remember:
When it comes to talking to your child
about drugs, you don’t have to be GOOD
at it; you just have to TRY!
If you try…
Your kids will get the message:
They will get the message that you care.
They will get the message that you
understand about the problems they face.
They will get the message that you are
there when they need you.