Substance Abuse Prevention

Families play an important role in influencing their children and youth about substance use and abuse prevention. Research shows that families are the strongest protective factor in preventing children and youth from using tobacco, alcohol and other drugs. There are many ways that parents can ensure that their children are practicing safe and healthy lifestyles when it comes to drugs and alcohol.

What can I do as a parent?
  • Set clear rules and consequences
  • Set a curfew
  • Have your children check in with you at regular times, when not at school
  • Take the time to learn about drugs and alcohol
  • Talk to your children about drugs and alcohol from the time they are very young and into their teens
  • Trust your instincts
  • Know where your children are, and whom they are with -get to know your children’s friends
  • Spend time together as a family, eat meals together, and become involved with your child’s school and sport activities
  • Encourage your children to be involved with school and community sport groups
  • Provide adequate supervision if you are unable to be with your child
  • Praise and reward for good behaviour and accomplishments
  • Build confidence and self-esteem
  • Most importantly, as a parent, be a “role model”
What are some signs of drug use?
  • Changes in long time friendships
    o Less contact with old friends
    o Never brings new friends home
    o Friends avoid being around adults
  • Changes in the school setting
    o Grades and performance decreases
    o Skipping classes
    o Loss of interest in school activities and events
    o In trouble with other students and teachers
  • Changes in routines and behaviour-distant from family, spending more
    o Time alone
    o Being secretive about what they are doing
    o Lack of pride in appearance and self care
    o Lying about and denying actions
    o Trouble with the law
    o Loss of interest in activities that are important to them
    o Breaking curfew, sneaking out
    o Frequent bouts of anger, becomes upset easily

Remember one or two signs could be from losing a girlfriend/boyfriend, failing an exam, being bullied at school or an eating disorder. Talk to your child in a loving, non-judgmental way to find out what’s going on.

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