How's your child's school year so far- drug free? Find out.

As another school year is now not such a new thing, your family has probably settled into some routines and habits to keep things running smoothly for everyone- maybe you've got a daily, or weekly, checklist. Homework due dates? Check. Upcoming projects? Questions to ask your child about drugs and alcohol? Get it on the list! 

No matter how challenging, or easy, the school year seems to be, or what the daily routines of all in your family, you must devote time to include conversations about substance use, including your "zero tolerance" stance. Research shows that adolescents are at a higher risk of first-time use during periods of "change," in order to cope with stress. A new school year may bring many new changes: new grade, new school, new teachers, new coaches or new friends. Don't let these common tween changes cause your child to experiment with substances. Parents and mentors: here's how to start.

• Talk. Be clear that using alcohol, tobacco or other drugs is not acceptable. Let your child know that you would be very disappointed if he/she chose to use.
• Listen. Provide opportunities for your child to talk about changes happening in their world. Ask open-ended questions like, "How are you feeling about the new school year?"
• Help build confidence. Teach your child how to "break the ice" with new people, by asking things like, "What were you up to this summer?"
• Be a role model. Set a good example by being a consistent, positive presence in your child's life.

Looking for the right time, the right place, the right way, to have this conversation? You may never find such a moment; you have to make the time for it, and simply dig in.  Although drug addiction and alcoholism isn't likely to be a hot topic around your Thanksgiving table this holiday, you may find an easy way to open up the conversation over another point of the weekend. With time off school, and possibly some time off work, a visit over the river and through the woods to grandmother's house could be the way to bring up a difficult subject. It is important to know your family's history of substance use and abuse and to share that information with your child.

While there are a number of factors that determine a child's risk associated with substance abuse, there is strong scientific evidence that substance addiction is partially genetic. Does that mean that if you're an alcoholic, your child is destined to be an alcoholic? No. But, a child whose biological parent or grandparent has been addicted to drugs or alcohol is at a four-time greater risk for becoming an "addict."  And due to the nature of "addiction," and its tie to the brain, if a person is biologically at greater risk for alcoholism, he or she is equally at greater risk for addiction to other substances as well.

Talk To Your Child (Without Judgment) About:

Family History: "Grandpa has heart disease and alcoholism."

Health Risks: "Because of Grandpa's health history, you are at an increased risk of developing not only heart disease, but becoming addicted to drugs or alcohol."

Lifestyle Choices: "You may never get heart disease or become addicted to alcohol. But, the choices you make can help to protect you. To prevent heart disease, it is important you eat right, exercise and maintain a healthy weight. To prevent alcoholism, it is important that you not consume alcohol as a minor. Not only am I fully against underage drinking, but research shows that the earlier a person begins drinking, the more likely that person is to develop an addiction. Even as an adult, if you chose to drink alcohol, you will need to be extra careful, given our family history."

John

Email John:  johnsblog@teshmedia.com

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