Making your child aware of drug abuse

Swiss institute for the prevention of alcoholism and of other addictions

Like most parents, you are concerned about drug abuse.

You are asking yourself questions about drugs?

You are trying to find a way to make your children aware of the risks of drugs?

This booklet will help you in that task by giving you concrete examples.

Like you, we are convinced that prevention starts at home: the relationship between parents and children as well as the child's self-esteem are of great importance.

Recent studies have shown very clearly that the earlier prevention starts, the more effective it will prove. 

You do not necessarily need to be an expert in addictions to talk about that issue with your children.

Exchanging thoughts, listening to each other as well as mutual trust is much more important.

It is through your daily acts and words that you will build a relationship with your children which will keep them from taking drugs.

You want your children to be successful, to develop their intelligence, their skills and their knowledge?

You want them to have a job they like?

That is perfectly legitimate but do not forget that pressure is already great at school and that a number of children cannot stand such pressure. 

Children may have the impression that too much is required from them and that they are out of place at school.

They may lose part of their self-respect and even have a breakdown.

Your role is to show support to your children and make them feel more confident.

If your children suddenly start to behave evidently oddly, it could mean that they are taking drugs.

However, nothing specific will tell you that somebody has just started taking drugs or is already addicted.

Sudden difficulties at school, occasional stealing or committing minor crimes: these are facts that might strike you as unusual.

Still, this is not always caused by drug consumption or dependence.

Such behaviour can also result from teenage problems or non-lasting difficulties  (for example, having too much work to do or having broken up with a girlfirend).

The best way to know what is going on is to ask your children and tell them what your concern is.