Drugs Awareness - Information for Parents

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Drugs are an increasing worry for parents today. Ideally we want to encourage our children to remain drug-free. However, many parents are concerned that their child will be offered illegal drugs or will begin to use them on a regular basis. Sometimes the fear of the unknown leads parents to over-react when a situation regarding drugs arises.

Newspapers and magazines tend to focus on the worst possible case scenarios, with stories of teenagers dying of Ecstasy and 7-year old Heroin addicts.

It is often difficult to ignore these scare stories and parents become increasingly concerned about the safety of their own children. It is important to remember, however, that illegal drug use is only a regular occurrence for a small proportion of young people. Those who do use illegal drugs may only be experimenting.

There are ways that parents can help, you know your child better than anyone and this knowledge should be used as a basis for any help or support you give.

Why Do Young People Use Drugs?

There are many reasons why young people use illegal drugs, some of which are listed below. It is important for parents to recognise that the reasons young people take drugs are similar to those given for adults use of alcohol and tobacco, or indeed, the use of drugs in their younger days!

Illegal drugs may be used by young people because they :

• Enjoy the short term effects the drugs produce;
• Think it's FUN!;
• Have friends who use them;
• Have nothing else to do;
• Find that some drugs are cheap and easily available;
• Are trying to rebel or want to shock their parents or other authority figure;
• Are curious and want to experiment;
• Want to experience effects like those obtained from drinking large amounts of alcohol;
• Want to feel grown-up;
• Associate the drugs with a particular 'SCENE' or 'CULTURE';
• Want to take risks;
• Want to escape from problems;

Talking About Drugs

Below are some strategies and pointers for talking about drugs with young people.

• Find an easy way to approach the subject - ask what they've done at school or use a drugs issue in a TV programme to start a discussion.
• Be honest about your own knowledge - if you don't feel fully prepared to talk to your child about drugs, then get some extra information or find out more together.
• Ask open-ended questions - try not to ask leading questions which give you the answers you want to hear. For example use "How are you feeling?"rather than "Are you angry?" This will help you to find out what your child really thinks.
• Begin discussing drugs early - young people are aware of drugs from an early age, whether these be legal, illegal or prescription, so begin talking about the issues then.
• Listen to what is being said - lecturing or preaching to your child is likely to make them switch off. Try to keep an open mind.
• Be open about your own views and opinions but recognise and accept that those of your child may be different - your child will not necessarily agree with everything you say so be prepared to discuss things openly.
• Pick an appropriate time to talk - it is best to pick a time when neither yourself nor your child is under pressure or stressed.
• Pre-empt possible conflict situations - For example, parties are, in themselves, a good thing, however you may need to establish some basic ground rules before the event and ensure that everyone knows what they are. For example, a responsible adult will be present at all times, no alcohol will be allowed, etc.
• Be honest about your own drug use - young people may question your own use of legal/illegal drugs, think about how and when you have used them so that you can answer their questions honestly.

What Do I Do?

If you do discover that your child is using drugs, try to stay calm and think about the issues rationally. It is useful to think about some of the following points before a crisis situation arises :

• First Aid
  If you find your child unconscious, would you know what to do? Putting someone in the recovery position, or knowing how to deliver mouth to mouth resuscitation are important skills to learn. For details of courses in your area, contact:
  
  St. John Ambulance Brigade: 01772 252239 / 252822
  or the British Red Cross: 01254 425571

• Legal Implications
  If you find your child in possession of an illegal substance, what should you do? Always consider the welfare of your child first of all. If you take possession of the drug to stop your child from using it then you can either destroy it or take the drug to the police as soon as possible. If you do decide to take the drug to the police, phone the station first to let them know that you are on your way.

• Getting Support for Them
  Who is the best person to support your child? This will depend on the drug(s) being used, how it is affecting their life and why they are using it. You could go and talk to your GP together or contact your local Community Drugs Services to find out about support agencies for young people.

• Getting Support for You
  If you know that your child is using drugs, acknowledge that you may need help and support yourself. There are many local and national agencies and helplines which offer support to parents and carers of drug users. These agencies understand the guilt and stigma associated with drug use, and provide parents and carers with an accessible and confidential service.

• Long-term Strategies
  It may be necessary to look at long-term strategies to help your child to avoid drug use or misuse. This may involve looking at alternative pastimes, how they might be able to keep away from places and situations where they have taken drugs.
  
  "ABOVE ALL, DON'T PANIC!"