by Lori Egan Josephs
Q: As a parent of a teenager, what steps can I take to prevent them from wanting to start using alcohol and drugs?
A: The teen years are such an influential time of a person's life. Almost every kid will have to make a decision at some point on whether to try alcohol or drugs. When you look at the facts and trends still taking place with teenage drinking, you can not ignore this major health issue.
According to the CDC; "Alcohol is the most commonly used and abused drug among youth in the United States, more than tobacco and illicit drugs. Although drinking by persons under the age of 21 is illegal, people aged 12 to 20 years drink 11% of all alcohol consumed in the United States."
When it comes to underage drinking, you must be proactive, not reactive. You need to set the stage long before your kids will be in a position to say no to drinking or drugs. Here are some things you can do to help give your kids the best defense against drinking:
- Start the conversation about alcohol and drugs early - Do not wait until they are a teen.
- Be a healthy example - Kids will look at your own behavior when it comes to drinking or attitude towards drinking.
- Educate them on the consequences of underage drinking - Don't just tell them they can not drink, back it up with facts, along with the legal problems.
- Provide them with healthy alternatives to drinking - Sports, arts, or any activity they love that will give them an outlet and make them feel good about themselves. Lack of self-esteem plays a role in why kids drink.
- Give them consistency - Kids need and actually want structure, rules and discipline.
- Know your kids friends, as well as their parents - Teens who drink, drink with their friends. Make sure you know as much as you can about their friends and get to know their parents.
- Offer them a solid family foundation - Whatever your family situation is, make your kids feel safe and secure.
- Explain the disease of alcoholism - Let your kids know the facts about alcoholism. Specially, if it runs in your family, and what makes an alcoholic different from a normal drinker.
There are many resources available today for parents and teenagers; giving answers and resources to their questions on underage drinking and drug use. As a parent you must set a good example for your own kids. Do not assume that it is other people's problem or that your child is immune to the pressures of drinking.
BOTTOM LINE: Be the parent and make the tough decisions for the well-being of your kid. Be consistent with your rules when it comes to underage drinking, and be a healthy role model.
Lori Josephs is an expert on the disease of alcoholism. From her own experience as a recovering alcoholic; she hopes to teach kids on how to make better choices. For over 12 years, she has been speaking on her experiences to treatment centers, private counseling groups and students. She has a B.S. in Health Care Services and is the founder of "The Center for Successful Living." She is a certified relationship coach; and a member of the speaker's bureau at Brighton Hospital. She serves as an alumni contact for The Betty Ford Center for Southeastern Michigan. Contact her at (248-529-3375),
email: info@thecenterforsuccessfulliving.com or visit www.thecenterforsuccessfulliving.com for more details.
Save The Date for this valuable presentation offered by The Family Center:
Are Your Kids at Risk? Teen Alcohol and Drug Trends
Tuesday, September 29, 2009, 7pm - No Fee
Location: Yeoman Hall, St. Michael's Episcopal Church (20475 Sunningdale Park, Grosse Pointe Woods)
RSVP: 313.432.3832 or info@familycenterweb.org
Go to www.familycenterweb.org to learn more or print the flyer.
Please email questions to info@familycenterweb.org
To volunteer or contribute, visit www.familycenterweb.org or call 313.432.3832.
20090 Morningside Drive, Grosse Pointe Woods, MI 48236
