I ran across this great article today by www.DoSomething.org. It lists teen drug abuse facts, 11 to be exact. This is scary information everyone that has or works with teens should be aware of.
Drugs are in our schools, on our playgrounds and in our malls. It is imperative that we know the facts and educate our youth from young ages. I can’t tell you how many teens I’ve worked with that began experimenting with drugs as young as 9 and 10 years old. It’s both shocking and scary!
Start talking to your kids at a young age and keep talking to them, even when they roll their eyes. The more open communication you have with the teens in your life the more likely they will come to you in their times of need. If they come to you with concerns or questions about drugs or alcohol, remain calm and talk openly. They will know if you are being genuine and they will hesitate to talk to you in the future if you freak out about their questions. Remember teens are in a phase in which they are working to create their own identity. They are curious and want to learn more about the world in which they live.
If you don’t talk to them about drugs and alcohol, their peers will.
