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 4 th 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 Occur More 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 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 childs 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 childs 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 temperament Help develop positive social orientation Intelligence: help develop study habits Bonding: opportunities to contribute Recognize & acknowledge efforts Enforce clear standards/healthy beliefs Increase chances to bond socially Set clear/consistent boundaries Teach life skills Set 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 childs life… Or, busy dealing with all the problems that go along with being the parent of a drug addicted child? The most effective deterrent isnt 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 dont 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.