What Is Your Role As A Parent To Help Prevent Drug Abuse?

The drug called Ecstasy/MDMA is just one of severalproblems and concerns;
that children as young as 8th graders are abusing.And becoming involved in their learning.
Ecstasy is a human-made drug taken orally as aThe importance of this parent-child relationship
capsule or tablet. The short-term effects includecontinues through adolescence and beyond.
feelings of mental stimulation, emotional warmth,Below are some resources to help you find drug
enhanced sensory perception, and increased physicalprevention programs:
energy. Adverse health effects can include nausea,National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
chills, sweating, teeth clenching, muscle cramping, andNational Institutes of Health (NIH)
blurred vision.U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
If you suspect or find out your child is actually(DHHS)
abusing this drug or is involved in any kind of drugCenter for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP)
abuse what steps can you take to help themSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services
overcome the addictions?Administration (SAMHSA), DHHS Phone: 301-443-9110
A family-based prevention program should include:Centers for Disease Control and
1. Enhanced family bonding and relationships;Prevention (CDC), DHHS
2. Education for parents to learn parenting skills;Phone: 404-639-3534
3. Developing, discussing and enforcing family policiesPhone: 800-311-3435 (toll-free)
on substance abuse;Safe and Drug-Free Schools Program
4. Training in drug education and information.U.S. Department of Education (DoE)
What is family bonding?Phone: 800-872-5327 (toll-free)
Family bonding is the foundation of the relationshipDrug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
between parents and children. You can strengthenU.S. Department of Justice (DOJ)
your family bonds through skills training on parentPhone: 202-307-1000
supportiveness of children, parent-childKnowledge Exchange Network, SAMHSA, DHHS
communication, and parental involvement.Phone: 800-789-2647 (toll-free)
One of the cornerstones for drug abuse preventionNational Clearinghouse for Alcohol and
is parental monitoring and supervision. As a parentDrug Information (NCADI), SAMHSA, DHHS
you can enhance your parenting skills with drugPhone: 800-729-6686 (toll-free)
prevention program training.National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
Benefits of participating in a drug prevention program(NIAAA), NIH, DHHS
are:Phone: 301-443-3860
Being able to provide consistent rules and disciplineNational Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), NIH, DHHS
for your child;Phone: 301-443-4513
Ability to talk to your children about drugs;As a parent you need to educate yourself as much
Techniques of how to monitor your childrensas possible about drug abuse, stay in touch with your
activities;childrens activities, and listen to their problems and
Techniques of how to get to know your childrensconcerns.
friends;This article is FREE to publish with the resource box.
Techniques of how to understand your childrens