This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

Tips for Parents on Teens and Drugs

From author Joseph A. Califano who wrote "How to Raise a Drug-Free Kid: The Straight Dope for Parents."

 

Last month, Josph A. Califano, Jr., led a lecture at the Westport Public Library by discussing his book, "How to Raise a Drug-Free Kid: The Straight Dope for Parents."

Califano is the founder and chairman of the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University.

Find out what's happening in Westportwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Here is some of his advice that can help your teen make good decisions about drugs and alcohol:

 

Find out what's happening in Westportwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

  • Students are most at risk for drug abuse when going through puberty, middle school, high school, starting college or when girls date older boys.
  • Factors for children who abuse drugs consist of life style, high stress, having too much spending money or when parents are not present at teen parties.
  • Parents should lock up alcohol.
  • Parents must start discussing drugs and alcohol early on.
  • The importance of parent disapproval is a key factor in whether your child will start abusing drugs.
  • Parents should set a good example when drinking, to make rules and make sure to enforce them.
  • Most of all: Be a parent and not a pal.

 

 

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?