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KNOW THE FACTS Fact: Youth alcohol and drug use is as widespread as
ever. Reality check: 82 percent of high school seniors have used alcohol,
50 percent have used marijuana and 9 percent have used cocaine, according to
the National Institute on Drug Abuse, which also reports binge drinking
consuming five or more drinks in a row during the preceding two weeks by
almost 30 percent of high school seniors and 24 percent of 10th graders. Fact: Stronger drugs have become available from an
increasing number of global sources. Reality check: 30 years ago marijuana typically contained less than
1 percent THC the psychoactive component of marijuana. Today, marijuana
typically contains 15 percent THC. "Blunts" marijuana wrapped in
cigar packaging are increasingly popular and often contain marijuana mixed
with crack, heroin or PCP. Fact: Alcohol and drug use correlates with increased
violence that leads to injury or death, even among first-time experimenters.
Reality check: Researchers estimate that alcohol use is implicated
in one- to two-thirds of sexual assault and acquaintance or "date"
rape cases among teen and college students. TALK EARLY. TALK OFTEN. Discuss substance abuse whenever you see it happening. Help young children
distinguish between adults appropriate and moderate alcohol use vs.
intoxication or inappropriate behavior. Draw upon real experiences that
happen in the community or situations portrayed on TV, movies, and radio. Be specific that alcohol and other drugs are dangerous to a
still-developing body and mind. Be specific about the problems that arise
from using alcohol and drugs, such as:
Whether a parent chooses to drink alcoholic beverages in front of his or
her child is a personal decision. But do recognize the power of the silent
messages you send. For instance, your child will be apt to associate alcohol
with relaxation if you unwind with an alcoholic beverage after a hard day at
work. ESTABLISH CONSEQUENCES Consult with your spouse to determine appropriate limits and consequences
for your child. Consequences should reflect your child's interests such as
restricting social contact, recreational activities, movies, video games or
use of the family car. Assert your parental role and follow through with
consequences. Know where your kids are going and who they spend time with. Don't
compromise your limits by giving in to pleas of "all the other kids get
to." Dialog with other parents about what they hope for and expect of
their children. You may be surprised how many other parents share your
concerns about alcohol and drug use. Eighty-two percent of high
school seniors have used alcohol, 50 percent have used marijuana, and 9
percent have used cocaine. Resource List: Alateen
Al-Anon Family Group, 1600 Corporate Landing Parkway, American
Council for Drug Education, Hazelden Center for Youth and Families, National
Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information, National
Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependency, 12 West 21st Street,
New York, NY, 10010, (212) 206-6770 National
Institute for Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism National
Institute on Drug Abuse |