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Prevention Tips for Adults & Youth

How to Talk to Your Kids About Drugs

Children look to their parents and other adult role models for guidance and support. Although it may not always seem that way, your influence is very powerful. So, when it comes to issues regarding drug and alcohol use, letting them know about the dangers can protect them from causing harm to themselves and others.

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Let them know you disapprove of underage drinking and other drug misuse.
According to the Portage County Community Health Assessment, 55% of the youth surveyed said they would not drink alcohol and 68% of kids would not try drugs if they knew their parents would be disappointed. Take a stance on drug and alcohol use and express that opinion frequently; you want to make sure that your child has a clear picture on how you feel about drug and alcohol use before they encounter a situation where substances are present.

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​Show them you care about their health, wellness, and success.
Because there are many dangerous short- and long-term effects to drugs and alcohol use, express to them you care about their future and only want the best for their wellbeing. Keep the conversations positive. Talk about how excited you are for their future and you don’t want to see something like using drugs or alcohol to get in their way and control their lives. 

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​Talk frequently, be clear and consistent.
Instead of sitting down for one big talk, use opportunities as they arise to have little talks - such as something happening on a TV show or a school event. As you continue to talk with children as they grow, be sure you’ve established clear family rules about alcohol and substance use and follow through when the rules are broken.

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​Know the facts about vaping, drugs, and alcohol.
Do your research before you talk to your child, so when it’s time to have a conversation, you can provide information on why drug and alcohol use has consequences.

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​Scare tactics don’t work.
The use of fear alone will not prevent your child from trying risky behaviors. These kinds of warnings can send unintended messages, or your children will dismiss these messages to avoid the feeling of fear. Research shows that because their brains aren’t fully developed like adults, youth are prone to high-risk behaviors and are naturally hardwired to defend against negative messaging.

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Most youth at this age aren’t concerned about long-term consequences of drug use such as the possibility of interfering with brain development or limited academic achievement. They are concerned about consequences like embarrassing themselves, smelling bad, disappointing people they care for, and getting into trouble.

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Other ways to keep youth drug-free:

 

Be a role model: Do not make drinking the sole focus of social gatherings when children are present. Explain why adults may choose to drink alcohol, but children may not. For example, It is illegal for children, and it is harmful for their growing brain.

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Be home when your teen has a party. If they go out, stay up until they return home.

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Host safe, alcohol/drug free activities for youth. Never allow underage drinking in your home. It is illegal to allow another person’s child to consumer alcohol, even with their parent’s permission. 

Prevention Tips for Youth

Being a teen and saying no to alcohol and drugs is never easy. The Portage County Substance Community Coalition has put together some tips for teens to use to stay safe.

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  1. Choose like-minded friends. Avoid peer pressure by hanging out with friends who also disagree with underage drinking and using drugs.

  2. Make your parents the bad guys. Parents do not mind being labeled the bad guys when it comes to staying away from underage drinking. Tell classmates that your parents will ground you or take away your phone if you are caught drinking or using drugs.

  3. Use sports as an excuse. Remind your friends that you will be kicked off the team for using drugs or alcohol. Plus, a healthy body is important to you.

  4. Suggest better plans. What if your best friend wants to go to a party where you know everyone will be drinking? Come up with a different idea. Say, “I’d rather shoot hoops (or play Xbox or go shopping). Want to come?”

  5. Bring your own drink. Keep a bottled drink like a soda or iced tea with you to drink at parties. People will be less likely to pressure you to drink alcohol if you’re already drinking something.

  6. Street drugs can be fatal. Lethal doses of drugs are on the street and people are dying. Your life is too important.

  7. Make an escape plan. If you end up in a dangerous situation, get out fast. Make up code words to text a parent or trusted adult. To them, your safety is always first priority.
     

Parents and caregivers are encouraged to share these tips with their children.

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