How to Teach Children About Substance Abuse

According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, approximately 19.9 million Americans aged 12 or older used an illegal drug in 2007. There are many factors that can cause a child to fall prey to substance abuse, such as home and school life and peer pressure. Children need guidance, and often this guidance must come from the responsible adults in their lives. There are several ways you can teach kids about substance abuse so they can be aware of its dangers.

Instructions

Teaching Kids About Substance Abuse

• 1

  Be clear and firm when addressing the topic of substance abuse with children. There are many laws associated with substance abuse---the main one is that it's illegal. Instead of telling the child not to drink alcohol or do drugs, explain to him that it's illegal to buy and use illicit drugs, and that to drink alcohol, he must be 21 or older. Emphasize the importance of adhering to the law and the consequences of not doing so.

• 2

  Set a good example. It's hypocritical to tell someone not to perform a particular deed when you're guilty of doing it yourself. If you're consuming drugs or drinking irresponsibly, and the child witnesses this or sees drug paraphernalia in your environment, this will shatter any trust he has in you. Further, he will use this as a license to imitate your behavior. He will not understand why you can do it, but he can't.

• 3

  Show children the way to a healthy lifestyle. Explain that substance abuse is harmful and can affect their health if they indulge in such behavior. Don't be afraid to be vivid in your description of these negative impacts---alcohol abuse can lead to alcoholism, which can irreparably damage the liver, and drugs can lead to serious diseases (e.g., hepatitis B and C, and AIDS) from sharing needles. Explain that drug and alcohol abuse can lead to addiction, which results in painful withdrawal symptoms.

• 4

  Offer children fun and effective alternatives to drugs. Encourage them to engage in physical activity (e.g., biking and hiking), which not only helps to strengthen their muscles but to relieve mood swings as well. Explain to them that substance abuse can lead to poor diet. Teach them the importance of eating fruits and vegetables. You can find creative and healthful ways to blend these nutrients into their meals. For example, if the child is having cereal for breakfast, combine it with sliced bananas.

• 5

  Teach children how to choose appropriate friends. Explain how peer pressure can be a critical factor in substance abuse. If they surround themselves with substance abusers, they may feel pressured to conform. Do role-playing with them, simulating peer-pressure scenarios. Tell them that by remembering the perils of substance abuse, it will be much easier to say "no."