At what age do kids start using drugs
and alcohol?
"While drug and alcohol abuse has
lessened slightly, the age at which use begins is lower
than ever. A recent survey showed that 30 percent of children
between the ages of 12-17 had tried illegal drugs," says
Dr. Moser. (With adolescents, alcohol is the most widely
used of all drugs.) "Experimentation with drugs, alcohol
and cigarettes cuts across all ethnic, geographic and social
class backgrounds," continues
Dr. Moser. "Kids who turn to drugs often don’t
function well in school, have lower grades, high truancy
rates and exhibit rebellious behavior. They have limited
contact with adults and, often, their parents and peers
abuse drugs and alcohol."
Some, but not all, kids turn
to drugs. Why?
"Kids get involved in drugs to avoid
or escape their problems. Peer pressure is a major factor.
Drugs and alcohol help them feel socially more at ease,
relaxed, less tense. Kids get a false sense of power and
control from drugs—they
fell more ‘adult,’" says Dr. Moser. "But
lack of self-esteem may be the most significant reason
why kids give into peer pressure and start using drugs."
Why is self-esteem so important?
"Adolescents and teenagers go through
so many physical and emotional changes as they mature,
and often define themselves in terms of their peers. But
self-confident teens are better able to ignore social pressures.
There’s
less need to thrive on someone else’s opinions," states
Dr. Moser.
How can we help our children stay drug-free?
"Parenting skills are one of the best anti-drug tactics," stresses
Dr. Moser. Here’s a checklist.
- Be consistent. Set realistic, not rigid, limits
and stick to them. Parents or caregivers shouldn’t
undermine each other—present a united front and
kids will grow up feeling more safe, secure, and confident.
- Communicate effectively and assertively. Children
need accessible parents and the security and structure
of home as they struggle towards adulthood.
- Teach responsibility. Start when kids are young
with simple chores and expect more as they get older. Grant
more decision-making power as their abilities increase.
- Provide positive reinforcement. Don’t be
too critical. If you want kids to change their behavior,
support their attempts.
- Set a clear example. If your attitudes about drinking
and drug use aren’t clear, if you abuse drugs or
alcohol or tolerate it in others, you’re sending
the wrong kind of message. Remember, you are role models
for your children’s present and future behaviors.
- Show your love. Listen to your children. Let them
know they can turn to you for help instead of using drugs
for escape.
"Raise your child to feel secure, competent, and
self-reliant and they’ll be able to trust their own
decision-making capabilities," stresses Dr. Moser. |
