Prevention    *     Education     *     Awareness

Community Drug and Alcohol Council, Inc.

You instinctively know what prevention is. You put child-proof gates across the tops of stairs or bolt bookshelves to the wall. Each time we've identified a risk or imminent harm to our child and put a protective factor between the child and danger.

Substance Abuse Prevention applies the same idea. It first identifies the risk factors, and then creates or enhances protective factors that have been proven to help ensure that one stays drug-free. It has been shown that the more risk factors a young person experiences, the greater he or she is at risk for a host of adolescent problem behaviors, such as alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use; school failure or delinquency.

How can you practice good prevention, you ask. It is really quite simple. Parents should talk with their children and share their goals and expectations for each child. Your position on drugs should be clear and consistent. Let your children know that you will not tolerate substance abuse. Explain to them the consequences of drug-use. Be fair and consistent with your rules.

Talk with your kids and learn to listen to them. Create family time - eating meals together, fishing, hiking, and any activity that allows for individualized and uninterrupted attention. This bonding or attachment is a vital component of good prevention.

Give your children opportunities to contribute to the family unit. Ask them to set the table, help with the cooking, help plan a vacation. It is through their contributions that they develop a sense of self confidence.

Good prevention is not a one-hour lecture in a health class. It is the daily application of love, guidance, expectations, opportunities and recognition. You can do it! And your kids will thank you for it. 

Good Prevention