Parental Involvement Can Help Prevent Cocaine Use

The National Institute of Drug Abuse has proven that parental involvement can be a key factor in a teen avoiding cocaine abuse or other substance abuse. Parents cannot underestimate their role in helping their teen avoid the peer pressure and temptation to participate in drug use.

The NIDA has stated that:

• Teens between the ages of 12 and 17 are much more likely to use cocaine if they use gateway drugs (marijuana, tobacco, alcohol).
• Adults who use cocaine are more than likely to have used gateway drugs.
• 90% of people who used cocaine claim they had used all three gateway drugs before using cocaine.

With statistics such as these it is more important than ever for parents to help their teens avoid drug use. So how can parents help their children stand on high ground and avoid the use of cocaine as well as all three gateway drugs? Here a just a few things that parents can do:

1. Take time to create strong emotional bonds with your children. No matter that ages of your children it is never to late to get close. Take part in activities that you can do together that foster time together and communication. Spend one on one time with your teen so that they can open up to you and have your undivided attention. When you are disciplining your teen remember to tell them that you are unhappy with their choice or their behavior but that you love them no matter what they do. And always let your teen know that you are the person they should turn to if they need to talk about anything.
2. Get involved. No matter what you teen has going on make sure that you are involved in what they do. If they are in sports, be at their games. Offer to volunteer in their school and after school activities. Always ask your teen where they will be and who they will be with when they leave the house.
3. Be consistent in the house rules, family values and consequences. Parent contracts can help with being clear about family rules and expectations and the consequences. Teens need clear guidelines and to know what to expect should they do or not do what is expected.

Teen cocaine use is a scary thing because of the addictive nature of the drug. While there is no sure way to prevent cocaine abuse or any other substance abuse, it is a sure bet that teens benefit when their parents try to be part of the prevention. If you suspect that your teen or someone you love has a drug abuse problem seek help from a drug rehabilitation center as soon as possible.