Drug Prevention Tips Presented by Narconon Arrowhead for Parent Leadership Month

The month of February is designated as National Parent Leadership Month. It is dedicated to acknowledging the important role parents play in raising healthy families, both in the home and in the community. It is sponsored by Parents Anonymous, Inc., and organization supported by agencies both private and governmental, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Our Children and Youth

Events are held throughout the month of February across the United States, presenting information on the ways in which parents and foster parents can take active leadership roles in promoting positive behavior as well as preventing childhood injuries.

According to the CDC, hundreds of thousands of children and youth across the United States are at high risk for injuries each year—some stemming from child abuse and neglect—that can lead to disability or death.

Based on data gathered from agencies involved in state child protective services, children experiencing mal-treatment are at increased risk of adverse health effects, and increased risk of adverse adult behavior including drug abuse, alcoholism, smoking, severe obesity, multiple sex partners, depression, and suicide. As adults, these individuals are also at increased risk of certain chronic diseases, including diabetes and heart disease, as well.

According to the CDC, National Parent Leadership Month is a time for parents, teachers, health-care providers, community leaders and others to get informed on effective strategies to prevent childhood neglect and abuse. Strategies include home visitation programs and parent training.

Parent Leadership Month

Child & Family Service of Hawaii celebrates National Parent Leadership Month by recognizing outstanding parents. Based on their qualities, these outstanding parents are identified as a Parent Leader. The criteria cited for being honored as a Parent Leader are:

• Active participation in their community
• Always willing to help a friend, neighbor or family member
• Responds to neighborhood crises
• Had an impact on their community by making positive changes

With its ongoing mission of to strengthen families and to foster healthy development of children, this organization recognizes the importance outstanding parents play in accomplishing those goals.

Narconon Arrowhead Drug Prevention Tips

Narconon Arrowhead, the Oklahoma-based drug rehabilitation and education center, is also aware of the importance parents play in the fostering of healthy children and youth, and the part it plays in preventing future drug and alcohol use and abuse.

In recognition of Parent Leadership Month, Narconon Arrowhead provides the following drug prevention tips for parents to help them in achieving their parenting goals:

• Get informed regarding the facts on drugs and alcohol so you can share them with your children, teens and other concerned individuals.
• Speak openly and honestly with your children and teens about drug and alcohol use and its risks and consequences.
• Ensure your children and teens know you do not want them using drugs or alcohol.
• Educate your children and teens on peer pressure and its potential influence upon their decision-making.
• Let your children and teens know you are aware they will be faced with the opportunity to “try out” drugs and alcohol. Make sure they know how to say “no.”
• If your child or teen is experiencing difficulty with their studies or in school, take action. Give them the personal help, attention and/or tutoring needed to overcome study difficulties or academic struggles.
• Set a good example yourself. Do not use harmful drugs. If you consume alcohol, do not drink to excess, nor drive while under the influence.

Narconon Arrowhead makes drug prevention education materials available to parents, teachers, community leaders and concerned individuals.