KEEPING CHILDREN FROM USING DRUGS
The Drug Advisory Council of Australia endorses the following advice to parents on how to keep their children from using illicit drugs-
Prevention of drug use is the best approach to illicit drug use.
Because illicit drug use for the first time is now lower at age 12 years parents have the best opportunity to turn their children away from use.
Early use of alcohol, tobacco or inhalants is a strong predictor of future illicit drug use.
Parents must educate themselves on the harms of illicit drugs by accessing reliable web information, publications and meetings.
Parents must educate themselves on the culture of illicit drug use from popular music, internet, magazines and movies.
Parents should be active in developing school policies that support drug free youth.
Parents must let their children know that they will pick them up at any time from functions where illicit drugs are present by a simple mobile phone call to remove them from risk.
Parents should closely supervise their children by knowing their movements and the friends they mix with.
Parents should request their Members of Parliament, school officials and community groups to keep them informed about illicit drug issues.
Parents must support initiatives to provide detoxification and rehabilitation programs to those that have used illicit drugs to get them drug free.
Children do not stay away fro illicit drugs by chance because it takes thoughtful planning, effort and commitment from adults who love them.
(Source: Drug Watch International newsletter April 2008)
More detoxification & rehabilitation that gets illicit drug users drug free.
Court ordered and supervised detoxification & rehabilitation.
Less illicit drug users, drug pushers and drug related crimes.
37/2008