They?re Never Too Young Two

Seize the moment of communication with your children, before they turn to something else.

For many years there has been a concentration on the anti-drug movement with the use of Public Service Announcements (PSAs) to deliver messages on television, radio, and in print media about the dangers and consequences of using drugs and alcohol.  Though it is hard to expect a 60-second commercial to completely change someone's mind about drugs and alcohol, repetition of a message with insightful information can go a long way to prevent drug abuse. 

The necessity for PSAs has been demonstrated by a recent survey from the Partnership for a Drug-Free America.  It revealed that one in five teens has tried Vicodin, a prescription drug that is highly abused.  In addiction to one in ten teens has abused other prescription drugs such as OxyContin, Ritalin, or Adderall.  That survey also states that one in eleven teens has admitted to getting high on cough medication.

The average age a child will first try alcohol is 11 years old in America.  Numerous reports show that teens who smoke marijuana for the first time do so before the age of 13, such as an Indianapolis Star news release about a 17 year-old boy who was introduced to drugs by his family members and smoked marijuana at the age of 11.  There are plenty of statistics that show a need for prevention of teen drug abuse and it must start with parents. 

Children often have misinformation about drugs and use them as a solution to the feeling of boredom or to solve feelings of hopelessness they may have.  Other reasons why kids may turn to drugs include some other type of mental or physical discomfort or simply curiosity about drugs and the need to fit in with a certain crowd.  As parents we must have open communication with our children and build trust that as adults we will find a proper solution to the problems they encounter.  There are many organizations that can help.

Narconon Arrowhead is one of the largest and most successful programs in the country and it uses the proven effective drug rehabilitation and education methodology developed by American author and humanitarian L. Ron Hubbard.  Senior Vice President for Narconon Arrowhead, Cleo Glenn-Johnson McLaughlin says, "Our youth are short-circuiting their lives by using drugs and alcohol."  McLaughlin has worked her entire career building communities and making them stronger.  She has been a special assistant to a Congressman and has put forth efforts through other non-profit and public service work. 

McLaughlin continues, "The only known substance to a positive adult is a child that was loved and cared for while they were growing up.  As a mother and a grandmother, we as parents must value our children and communicate to them the truth how drugs and alcohol can affect them.  We must seize the moment and take advantage of open opportunities to talk to our kids about drugs and alcohol, before they turn to substance abuse as a way out of life's problems."

To download your free information about drugs and alcohol or to get help for a loved one, log on to www.stopaddiction.com or call 1-800-468-6933. 

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