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Four Effective Ways to Control Drugs and Drug Abuse

Drug abuse is undoubtedly a serious problem. Those who become consumed by them are transformed into completely different people. More often than not, these people become dangerous to themselves and others. Prevention is more effective than rehabilitation due to the fact that relapse is entirely too common among drug users. For those consumed by drug abuse, there are a few programs and techniques that can be implemented to control the situation.

  1. Teach Prevention Early On

    • Since school is where adolescents spend a majority of their time, it is crucial that educators implement drug prevention programs. These programs should focus on character building techniques that teach social skills, communication and stress management. By further implementing drug awareness programs into the curriculum, today's youth can learn to channel their emotions so that they will not resort to alcohol or drug abuse. Outside facilitators can also be brought in by the school, such as independent rehab centers, that can give first-hand information to students about drug abuse.

    Family Involvement

    • Along with school, parents and family are the most powerful influences in an individual's life. Parental interaction will determine a child's approach to life and decision making. The more often parents converse with children regarding substance abuse, the greater chance their children will avoid engaging in that behavior. The earlier this issue is addressed among family, the better. Since some schools do not start teaching about drug abuse until students are teenagers, family involvement, as young as the pre-teen years, is crucial.

    Rehabilitation

    • Of course, not every child avoids drug abuse, whether due to lack of information or personal choice. In such situations, rehabilitation is available for those who seek it. At times, this is court-ordered; other times it is voluntary. There are several different programs within rehab, including inpatient, residential, outpatient and/or short-stay. For those seeking early intervention, their treatment plan may be a short, six-week residential or outpatient program. For users with severe addictions, such as heroin or crystal meth, treatment may require medical supervision, above and beyond the psychological therapy and counseling. Peer involvement and counseling are generally part of every program. Since there is no such thing as an overnight cure for drug abuse, post-rehabilitation, in the form of continuing care programs, can be used to maintain sobriety.

    Community Outreach

    • The teenage years are the most vulnerable time when it comes to drug abuse. In this age range, more so than any other, is when people will most likely experiment with drugs and alcohol. That is why community recreation centers and clubs are so important. They can be used to extend the awareness education that young people receive at home and at school. With guest speakers teens respect and listen to, along with the media, teens are more likely to stay clean.

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