Staggering Statistics

• If you as a parent are wondering about the likelihood your child will be exposed to substance abuse, wonder no more. It seems to be a sad fact that this will occur. Here are some staggering statistics from the Adolescent Substance Abuse Knowledge Base:
  
  From a 1999 report, 25 percent of children aged 12 to 17 reported that drugs were sold in their neighborhoods. More than 25 percent of these children said they had been approached by someone selling drugs.
  
  From the 2000 report, one in five teenagers between the ages of 12 to 20 reported that they were binge drinkers, drinking five or more drinks in one day. Underage drinkers were reported as nine times more likely to go on to abusing "more dangerous" drugs.
  
  

Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.)

• The Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) program was founded in 1983 and has been implemented in more than 75 percent of the nation's school districts. Millions of school children each year are educated about the dangers of substance abuse by the D.A.R.E program. Local law-enforcement officers visit classrooms and teach children between the ages for kindergarten through twelfth grade about substance abuse. The program strives to give children the information they will need to avoid getting involved in drugs and other related activities such as gangs and violence.
  
  

Parent Tool Kit

• The Partnership for a Drug Free America provides an important resource for parents in educating their children about substance abuse. The Parent Tool Kit provides important tips and advice for talking to your children and telling them about the dangers of substance abuse. Included in the tool kit are these brochures: "Your Child: Advice by Age," "Understanding Teens; Connecting with Your Kids," "Protecting Your Kids; How to Spot Drug and Alcohol Use" and "How to Help if They're Using."
  
  

Students against Destructive Decisions

• An important way for children to learn about the dangers of substance abuse is through peer-to-peer groups such as Students Against Destructive Decisions or SADD. The group was founded in 1981 as Students Against Driving Drunk and has thousands of chapters in middle schools, high schools and colleges. The organization's approach involves students themselves delivering "no substance-abuse messages" and activities to their peers. The organization, with its revised names, has expanded its goals to include prevention of substance abuse, impaired driving, violence and suicide.
  
  

Tips for Parents

• Starting a conversation with your child about substance abuse will not be easy. You will want to have this conversation, even if it is a difficult one. Properly educating your child about the dangers and having an open dialogue is one way you can help reduce the chance of your child using drugs or alcohol. Ask them about any experiences they have had without fear of retribution from you. It is information you need to know. Encourage them to come to you with any questions or fears they have. Let them know you care about their experiences and are there to help.