Substance abuse and addiction are an ongoing problems among today’s youth. For this reason, it is essential for parents to be active participants in the war against drugs. In order to do this, you must continuously strive to educate your children on the risks and dangers of substance abuse. Listed below are five resources available for helping you to do this:
1. Call a School Counselor
Most schools now have a drug prevention programs in place that educate children on the dangers of substance abuse. Call your kids' school counselor to see what part you can play in helping kids to stay away from drugs.
2. Talk to Local Law Enforcement
Call your local police station and ask to speak to someone in the narcotics unit. Many times an officer will agree to come and speak to a group of children about ways to prevent substance abuse. These meetings can be set up during a church event, before or after a sports practice, or anywhere else kids come together.
3. Check with the MADD Organization
Check out the ‘Mothers Against Drunk Driving’ website which offers online tips, videos and other resources for those interested in becoming more involved in preventing substance abuse among underage children. You can also join them through social media to connect with other parents with like concerns.
4. Consider Other Professionals
Along with law enforcement, reaching out to other professionals who work with individuals accused of drug related crimes can be of a great help. Consider contacting someone like Eric Harron, DWI defense attorney, who can explain the ramifications of drug abuse in detail. When kids hear about the consequences of using and abusing drugs, it can go a long way in dissuading them from substance abuse.
5. Contact the National Crime Prevention Council
Although this non-profit organization is more recognized for its work in crime prevention, it also offers drug prevention brochures, audio-visual materials, and other publications to parents attempting to educate their children about substance abuse.
Your children look to you for guidance and support. For this reason, educating your kids on the many dangers of substance must be a top priority. You should begin teaching them at an early age and then continue to reinforce the anti-drug message into adulthood. By utilizing these valuable resources, you can help to ensure the well-being and safety of your children now, while providing them with a happy drug-free future, later.