Sunday, December 13, 2009

Help Prevent Your Teen From Using Drugs

Every parent wants what's best for their kids and when it comes to the topic of drug abuse you can never be too cautious. There's no way you can watch what your children are doing 24 hours a day but with a little bit of work and by making a few strategic moves there are ten proven ways you can prevent your teen from taking drugs.

Be there for your teen when they need help getting out of a tough situation. If your teenager faces a tough situation such as winding up at a party where drugs or alcohol are available, be the one who will pick them up without being too harsh or making repercussions.

Get to know your teen's friends and their parents (on a first name basis). When you know who your teen is hanging out with it will help you to know what they are doing.

Explain the dangers and consequences of drug abuse to your teen. Talk about how people who are using drugs often say or do things that they normally would not do. Set clear limits about what would happen if your teen uses drugs and follow through with those rules if they are broken.

Stay connected with your teen after they return from school. Establish a routine for your teen to keep them busy after school hours and try to remain connected with them. If you can't be home with your teen leave them notes, call them or have another adult supervise them. You can also sign your teen up for an after school program that can keep them out of harm's way.

Drop any baggage you may be carrying about the mistakes you made as a teenager. Try not to let your past influence your teen in a negative way. Tap into the mature adult you have become and let go of the past.

Talk to your teen often about drugs. By having frequent conversations (not lectures) with your teen about drugs, they are less likely to use. Use an ice breaker to make yourself more comfortable if you must, such as taking a message from a television or radio show.


Cleabrook Treatment Centers are there for you if your child or teen ever turns to drug use or abuse. To combat this issue, they have established the Cleabrook Lodge, designed specifically for adolescents. Established specifically for adolescents, this 46-bed inpatient rehabilitation center is the beginning of what must be a continued effort to maintain a lifestyle and lifetime of sobriety. The 12 steps of Alcoholics and Narcotics Anonymous are an integral part of the patient community’s daily activities and efforts.

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