Be Awesome: Parents wield influence on kids’ alcohol, drug use

Jun 9, 2017

By Priscilla Behnke

The Be Awesome Youth Coalition administers a community survey with Cenpatico Integrated Health every quarter to use current and relevant data to prevent youth substance abuse. Data from March 2017 showed us that parties, friends and home are common ways for teens to get drugs and alcohol.

Most common sources of drugs and alcohol:

Party with friends, without adults present [alcohol, marijuana, prescription drugs]
Someone age 21 or older who is not parent or guardian [alcohol]
At home from parents or guardians [alcohol, prescription drugs]
From someone at school [marijuana, prescription drugs]
From someone at school [marijuana]

Hollywood would lead one to believe it is a normal rite of passage for teens to use alcohol and other drugs at a party while parents are away. There is a streaming service with a whole category of movies dedicated to getting high, most with teen storylines.

The truth is, most teens aren’t using drugs and alcohol. In fact, in Maricopa teen use is trending down.

Parents don’t have to be passive bystanders while their kids experiment with chemicals that can lead to poor choices with life-altering consequences. Parents are the No. 1 influencer in their kids’ lives and should wield that influence.

So, what is a parent or guardian to do? How do you compete with the glamorization of teen parties and the angst of adolescent relationships?

Be there. It’s simple but profound. Family attachment is a key predictor in whether a child chooses to get drunk or high. Check in with your kids to let them know you care.

Talk to your kids. Talk to them about drugs and alcohol, and why you want them to do something better. Explain the risks to them. Listen to your kids and what they think about the issue.

Set clear limits on drug and alcohol use and hold them accountable. Let them know what the consequences are physically, legally and, of course, with you. Monitor the alcohol and prescription drugs in your home. Lock them up if you need to.

Know where your kids are going. Make it clear that parties with drugs and alcohol aren’t acceptable.

Know the friends your kids are spending time with. Encourage them to get involved in activities where they will make healthy friendships, such as church youth groups, after-school service clubs, sports or the Be Awesome Youth Coalition.

For more information on the facts of youth drug and alcohol use visit drugfree.org. To join the fight and local prevention efforts, contact the Be Awesome Youth Coalition at [email protected]. Our general meetings are on the third Saturday of the month at 18150 N. Altera Parkway from 10 to 11:30 a.m.

Priscilla Benhke is program director for Maricopa CAASA and Be Awesome Coalition.

Facebook.com/BeAwesomeYouthCoalition, [email protected]

This column appears in the June issue of InMaricopa.