How to Encourage Your Teenager to Avoid Drugs

Posted by Anonymous , 9/4/2007 Tags:EncourageTeenagerAvoidDrugs
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How to Encourage Your Teenager to Avoid Drugs

Introduction

Teaching your teenager to avoid drugs starts with straightforward discussion about the consequences of taking mind-altering substances. The U.S. Department of Education recommends the following guidelines.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

Steps

1

Step One

Talk about the immediate and long-term effects of consuming drugs, tobacco or alcohol: bad breath, stained teeth, increased risk of cancer and liver disease.
2

Step Two

Discuss impaired judgment and related risks of mind altering substances such as driving under the influence or getting into dangerous sexual situations.
3

Step Three

Mention the role of drugs in interfering with a student's future plans, such as going to college and eventually starting a family.
4

Step Four

Point out the dangers of alcohol, tobacco and other drug use in relation to pregnancy, including birth defects in newborns.
5

Step Five

Warn your teen about the hazards of combining drugs.
6

Step Six

Discuss medical marijuana and the debate over legalization of marijuana.
7

Step Seven

Explain that the component of marijuana with medicinal value is delta-9-terhydrocannabinol (THC). It can be prescribed by doctors in pill form, which lacks the cancer-causing chemicals of smoked marijuana.
8

Step Eight

Praise and encourage your teen when he or she makes good decisions and achieves long-worked-for goals.

Overall Things You'll Need

  • Substance Abuse Rehab Centers
Tools: |