Drug prevention and treatment efforts have not been for naught over the past several decades. Overall, we see decreases and positive improvements in substance abuse in a general and nationwide sense.
Despite this, recent study results show that one in six children aged 11 to 15 admit taking drugs including cocaine, ecstasy and magic mushrooms. What is our next step as a nation in our fight against substance abuse? It’s time we evaluate our gains and prepare for the future of this devastating issue.
One in Six Children Aged 11 to 15 Admit Taking Drugs Including Cocaine, Ecstasy and Magic Mushrooms
Public and private school students alike were surveyed by the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction who, in their report, say that one in six children aged 11 to 15 admit to taking drugs including cocaine, ecstasy, magic mushrooms and marijuana. Other findings include the following:
-One in twenty children aged 11 admit they have taken drugs.
-One in ten children aged 11 admit they have been offered drugs.
Substances found to be popular amongst 11 to 15 year olds included common street drugs like marijuana cocaine and ecstasy but also included less conventional chemicals and household items like glue, aerosol, hand sanitizer and even nutmeg.
In addition to this there has been an ongoing issue with youth and their misuse of prescription drugs. These prescriptions include painkillers as well as prescription stimulants.
Prevention And Education Starts At Home
Understanding drug and alcohol abuse as it effects our youth is a strong prognostic indicator of the future of substance abuse. Watching our children as young as 11 years old struggling with the issue forebodes of a challenging future ahead, unless parents become more actively involved in the educational aspects of prevention.
It’s easy to leave this aspect of the issue up to schools and government, yet when doing so your chances of maintaining a healthy and drug free family drecrease heavily.
Prevention itself is not founded by punishment or a lack of trust in your young children and teens. At the heart of efforts to keep your family safe and drug free must be an open, honest and factual relationship about the dangers of substance abuse.
In talking to your family about drugs, veer away from “horror stories” or unrealistic demands of your children, and capitalize on opportunities to speak honestly and freely. Likewise, avoid taking the “cool parent” route by making it seem like you don’t care either way. Studies actually show that youth are more likely to turn down drugs and alcohol where a conscience for their parents’ approval is present.
1. Establish a strong, honest and loving relationship with your child. Doing so will make it easy for you dive into tough subjects like this.
2. Set a positive and sober example—do not drink excessively or take pills unless 100% medically necessary.
3. Know when to get help. If things get out of hand and you need assistance, do not wait. As soon as you feel the situation is out of your control, talk to a professional for guidance.
Drug Threats Amongst Young Americans
In order to be able to relate to your children and/or teens on the subject of drugs and alcohol, stay involved in their daily lives and gain an understanding yourself of what it is that is currently affecting your local community. When you were growing up, heroin may have been the big drug issue. Things have changed greatly over the past two decades.
Do some research on the current abuse trends of the following substances:
-prescription painkillers
-synthetic drugs
-club drugs (ecstasy, Rohypnol, etc.)
-alcohol (including hand sanitizer)
Talk to your kids about drugs and don’t be afraid to act if there is a problem. For more information about Narconon contact us today.
