Drug Abuse and

Alcohol Abuse

What should you do if drug abuse or alcohol abuse strikes your children?

Let me begin by answering this question -- what does this have to do with study skills?

The truth is that you can't resolve educational issues with your children, if you're dealing with this problem. You must deal with it first.

Here are six tips to help:

1. If you suspect your child of drug abuse or alcohol abuse, TAKE IMMEDIATE ACTION. Parents are often the last to know.

2. Talk to your family doctor or the school guidance counselor. Get a referral for a professional who specializes in drug and alcohol abuse in children. Have the specialist complete a formal assessment.

3. Don’t fool yourself. Children can’t use drugs or alcohol in moderation. Use IS abuse because they’re still growing – physically and emotionally. Drugs and alcohol disrupt that growth.

4. Don’t worry about being too strict. Don’t believe that most other parents allow their kids to party. You can love them and still be firm.

5. While a few children may be able to manage drug or alcohol use for a short period of time, ultimately it will catch up with them. The initial warning signs often include an unexplained drop in grades, a recent lack of interest in school, or a sudden increase in behavioral problems.

6. If your teenager is using drugs or alcohol, make sure you deny access to the family car. Drug or alcohol abuse, combined with inexperience behind the wheel, can be lethal.

Automobile crashes are still the leading cause of teenage deaths. About one-third of these deaths involve alcohol.

And for family help in dealing with drug and alcohol abuse:

Consider support groups such as Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous.

Again, TAKE IMMEDIATE ACTION. These are two problems that won't take care of themselves.

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