Содержание
How to Recognize if Your Child Drinks Alcohol
Key warning signs:
- Mood changes: irritability, tantrums, defensiveness
- School problems: poor attendance, low grades, disciplinary issues
- Disregard for household rules
- Changing friends and reluctance to introduce new friends
- "Nothing matters" attitude: untidy appearance, lack of interest in previous hobbies, low energy
- Presence of alcohol in their room, backpack, or smell on their breath
- Memory lapses, decreased concentration, red eyes, lack of coordination, slurred speech
How to Recognize if Your Child Uses Drugs
Pay attention to behavioral changes:
- Mood swings
- Challenging relationship with family
- Changes in social circle
- Decline in grades or school attendance
- Loss of interest in sports or hobbies
- Changes in sleep or eating patterns
Specific signs of marijuana use:
- Uncoordinated behavior
- Red eyes or frequent use of eye drops
- Memory difficulties
- Presence of drugs or drug paraphernalia (pipes, rolling papers)
- Strange odors on clothes or in the bedroom
- Use of incense or air fresheners to mask smells
- Unexplained lack or excess of money
- Change in peer group
Why Teenagers Use Marijuana
Teenagers may start using marijuana due to curiosity, peer pressure, and a desire to fit in. Teens with untreated mental health issues, previous exposure to tobacco or alcohol, or traumatic experiences are at higher risk.
Family members—parents, siblings, grandparents—also serve as role models. The more supportive the home, school, and community environment, the lower the likelihood that a teenager will experiment with drugs.
How to Prevent Your Child from Using Marijuana
There is no quick fix, but research shows that parental involvement has a significant impact.
Guidelines for parents:
- Talk openly with your child about the risks of cannabis
- Be involved in their life and share in decision-making
- Set a personal example by avoiding cannabis
- Maintain a warm and supportive relationship while supervising activities and peers
- Help your child develop skills to resist peer pressure and make safe choices
Why It’s Important to Talk About Alcohol and Drugs
- Parents influence children's decisions regarding drinking and drug use
- Early conversations increase the likelihood of responsible choices
- Children who haven’t been exposed to substances internalize the message more easily
- Avoiding the topic may lead children to perceive substance use as acceptable
Principles for effective conversations:
- Clear message: Express strong disapproval of underage drinking and drug use
- Care: Show concern for your child’s health, well-being, and success
- Reliable information: Provide accurate facts about risks
- Attention: Observe risky behaviors without judgment
- Coping tools: Teach strategies to handle peer pressure and say "no"
Tip: You don’t need to cover everything in one conversation—have multiple short discussions.
How to Protect Your Child from Drinking Alcohol
- Be aware of social transitions like moving to middle or high school, graduating, or getting a driver’s license
- History of emotional or social difficulties
- Connection with peers engaged in risky behaviors
- Be a positive role model by avoiding alcohol in high-risk situations
- Collaborate with schools and communities
- Stay involved, set boundaries, and provide guidance
- Establish clear rules regarding alcohol and enforce them consistently
Social Pressure, Life Changes, and Transitions
- Stress: Academic performance, appearance, and social challenges – encourage sports and hobbies as healthy alternatives
- Peer pressure: Help your child learn to say "no" and understand that real friends won’t force them
- Life transitions: Moving schools, parental separation, or relocation – reassure your child and emphasize that alcohol is not a solution
Five Goals for a Parent-Child Conversation
- Clear message: Strong disapproval of underage drinking and drug use
- Care: Show concern for health and well-being
- Reliable information: Provide accurate facts on risks
- Attention: Observe and guide without judgment
- Coping tools: Equip your child with strategies to avoid alcohol and drugs