How to Prevent Cocaine Use

Cocaine is a highly addictive drug made out of the leaf of the coca plant. Because the effects of cocaine are felt so quickly, it's very easy to get addicted to the drug even after only using it one time. Cocaine can cause physical and psychological problems, often completely changing the person who is addicted to it. Because the drug is so strong, it's not uncommon for cocaine users to die from overdose, even after only using it a few times. Because of this, prevention is the best way to deal with the potential addiction.

Instructions

• 1

  Avoid allowing the use of gateway drugs, such as pot, alcohol and even tobacco. Children, teens and adults who use "softer" drugs are more likely to switch to harder drugs, such as cocaine, when the initial high of drinking or smoking wears off.

• 2

  Recognize the risk of drug abuse as it happens. Stressful events, such as a divorce, job loss or moving to a new area can cause emotional distress. If a person has no one to turn to or no healthy way to cope with problems, they may turn to drugs, such as cocaine, to cope.

• 3

  Maintain an open relationship with your child or teen. Children and teens have a much higher risk of drug abuse due to peer pressure. Those who have a strong emotional bond with their parents, however, are less likely to abuse drugs and more likely to be open about temptation and ask for help if needed. Parents should be encouraged to listen to their child without judging. If discipline is necessary, the parent should explain to the child why they are being punished, then explain that despite that punishment, the child is still cared about and loved. If the child knows you are there for them no matter what, they're less likely to turn to drugs.

• 4

  Enforce fair discipline. For example, if you have an underage teenager who is caught drinking, it would be wrong to allow them to get away with it. It would be equally wrong to ground them for a year and never allow them to leave the house. Teenagers who have fair punishments know what their parents expect of them. Teenagers with no punishments may feel like they can get away with anything, and those who have strict, unfair punishments may be looking for a way to cope or rebel. Growing up is difficult for everyone, but by raising your children fairly, you significantly reduce to odds of them turning to cocaine.