As parents, you want what is best for you children. And you know as your children grow up they will face many temptations, including drugs and alcohol. According to a study conducted by the Partnership for a Drug-Free America, only 27 percent of teenagers say they are learning a lot at home about the risks of drug use - although nearly all parents in the United States say they have talked with their children about drugs. The more time you take to communicate with your adolescent about drugs and other sensitive subjects, the more at ease your child will be coming to you with questions or problems. The fact is that no matter where you live, chances are your child will be exposed to alcohol, tobacco, and drugs in school, so you should be familiar with the drugs they may be offered. Ask your child what they know about these drugs. Do they know about the negative effects of these drugs? How could using alcohol, tobacco, or illicit drugs affect their goals?

A loving relationship cannot exist without communication. Research shows that kids believe they have valuable things to say. When parents ask them and sincerely listen it helps build self-esteem and confidence. Also it demonstrates that you support their growing independence as well as their ability to make intelligent decisions. The important thing to remember about drugs is that it is not a five minute talk. As kids grow, they will need more information relevant to their exposure.

Adolescent drug use is a problem for all of us, and we all need to be part of the solution.

Fact vs. Fiction

FICTION: My child is too young to do drugs.
FACT: 49% of teens admit to having smoked marijuana at age 13 or younger.

FICTION: Drug use is not a problem in my community.
FACT: Teens continue to rank drugs as the single most important problem facing people their age.

FICTION: I’ve spoken to my child about the dangers of drugs.
FACT: Nearly half of middle- and high-school students say that their parents have never discussed the dangers of drugs with them.

Substance Abuse Prevention Program paid for in part by the Illinois Department of Human Services: www.dhs.state.il.us

This web page is for educational purposes and not intended to be an alternative to emergency services.

In case of emergency, dial 911.

Helpful Web sites
The Partnership for a Drug-Free America
MADD
TheAntiDrug.com
freevibe.com


Hotline Numbers
DCFS Child Abuse Hotline: Hotline for reporting suspected child abuse or neglect. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: (800) 252-2873

Mental Health Centers of Central Illinois: Suicide prevention and crisis intervention hotline. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: (800) 248-7475

Parent Help Line: Parenting support, information and referrals. 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., 7 days a week: (888) 727-5889 or (217) 544-5808

Prairie Center for Sexual Assault: Crisis intervention and referral services for victims of sexual assault. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: (217) 753-8081

Sojourn Shelter and Services: Crisis intervention services for women and children affected by domestic violence. 24 hour a day, 7 days a week: (800) 435-7438 or (217) 726-5200

Youth Service Bureau: Crisis intervention services for runaway, locked out or homeless youth. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: (217) 529-8300