The more that I study different substances, signs, symptoms, side effects, withdrawal discomforts and brain altering effects-I become more and more interested in prevention.
The bigger picture.
Not only do I empathize with people who suffer from and struggle with the powerful stronghold of addiction,
I am very concerned with the growing numbers and statistics of our young and curious teens who casually use street drugs and household products to get high.
I want to work to educate parents about the importance of talking with their young people living in their homes.
No longer should it be acceptable to sweep uncomfortable issues under the rug, or avoid them because of personal feelings of inappropriateness.
The bottom line is: You love your young people and your young people need to be aware.
They need to be talked to on their level, in a way that they can understand.
It is dangerous to assume that because you:
*Live in a nice home
*Your child goes to a great school in a wonderful district
*You are raising your children in a Christian or religious home
*You have no family history of drug use
*You kids know right from wrong
*Are involved with your children’s lives
You believe that drug use is an irrelevant or is a ‘non-issue’
and it does not need to be discussed in your home.
Drug use has never had a favorite demographic.
Try to ask yourself these basic questions:
-What are some ways to approach the subject with my children/teen?
-What age is appropriate for my children?
-My children know right from wrong. Why do I need to talk about this specifically?
-What household products should I know about that can get my teen high?
-I trust my teen. They will tell me if something is offered or suggested.
Maybe just start there.
Start somewhere.
It is as easy as googling some information and asking your kids some questions.
We should all just make sure that we are keeping the dialogue open.
We can play a part in decreasing the number of children who fall prey to this nasty epidemic.
Let’s arm them the best that we can with knowledge and good, solid, information.
And love.
Don’t forget love.