Being a Wise Parent in an Uncertain WorldBeing a Wise Parent in an Uncertain World
Being a Wise Parent in an Uncertain World
Last Updated (Sunday, 03 August 2008 17:57) Sunday, 03 August 2008 17:09
We all know that drugs and alcohol are a threat to the wellbeing of our youth. All parents want to keep their children from harm, but how do we as parents, teachers and community leaders find the right message? How do we bring the dangers of substance misuse to the attention of our kids without creating undo alarm? How do we position ourselves so that our children see us as credible resources? How do we set limits with our children and help our kids internalize ethical boundaries while maintaining a positive relationship with them?
First we must recognize that substance misuse represents a real threat to the wellbeing of our kids. We know from numerous studies that adolescents that begin abusing drugs before the age of 15 are 4 times as likely to develop a substance dependency in their adult years.
Drug or alcohol abuse is defined as:
- Use that results in a reduced ability to function in school, work or family roles
- Repeated use that threatens health or legal standing
- Use that repeatedly damages family or peer relationships
Drug or alcohol dependency is defined as:
- The development of tolerance or the need for markedly greater amounts of the substance to become intoxicated.
- Withdrawal symptoms or craving when the substance is discontinued. Withdrawal is a state of physical and psychological distress that in some cases is life threatening.
- A loss of control over the use of the drug resulting in greater use of the drug than the individual intends, more time and money being spent in conjunction with use and the gradual loss of important social, occupational or recreational activities.
- Continued use despite the knowledge that the substance is seriously damaging the social, emotional and physical wellbeing of the individual.
Kelly Lundberg, PhD
Michael Meesom, MD