No parent, child, or teenager is immune to the disease of addiction.  Addiction does not discriminate it crosses all racial, religious and socio-economic lines. It attacks individuals in all stage of the life cycle and has become one of the leading causes of death in the United States. Some of the best athletes, students, and responsible individuals end up in trouble with drugs and alcohol. Therfore, we have developed this page dedicated to the Prevention of Drug And Alcohol Abuse/Addiction.

Dictionary For Dads has compiled 20 years of clinical experience treating and preventing alcohol and drug addiction in teens and children. We compiled and analyzed this data in an attempt to discover why teenagers and children experiment with drugs and alcohol.

Dictionary For Dads discovered that although the history of these children, their family backgrounds and social status differed the root of their decision making process and choice to engage in drug experimentation were very similar.

The bottom line is, at the time the child or teen was provided the oppurtunity to experiment with drugs and alcohol it seemed like a logical choice to engage in the behavior of using. The next question is why did the child or teen feel it was a logical choice to engage/experiment with the use of alcohol or drug.There is many contributing factors that come in to play that enables children and teens to make bad choices about using alcohol or drugs. Many of these can be prevented and controlled for in the home by parents.

These include education, support, discipline, role definition, sense of responsibility,  communication, quality of family unit, stress management skills. 

Logically, if we could prevent teenagers from experimenting with drugs, we could prevent teenagers and their families the physical, emotional and social consequences of this epidemic called addiction. 

Parents should never be in denial about their child’s ability to make some poor choices. Never blame another individual or peer for your child's experimentation with drugs. Parents need to realize if or when they blame another for their child's behavior they are  enabling their child not to take responsibility for their behaviors. This is a hallmark sign of a dysfunctional household.

Also don’t be naive to think your child was hunted down by drug dealers or forced into experimenting with drugs. Our research shows that teens make the choice themselves ninety nine percent of the time.

A child or teenagers  experimentation with drugs and alcohol puts them at high risk for developing a compulsive lifestyle paired with a lot of loss and heartache along the way.

Addiction is an obsessive compulsive disorder which can be very difficult to treat.  Therefore, we have listed valuable information and guides on how to control, prevent and/or  treat this social epidemic in your childrens lives

Common Correlations With Drug Experimentation/Use With Children and Teenagers

Loneliness, Lose Weight, Fear/Anxieties, Boredom, Shame,

What Is Denial?
Denial is a distortion in thinking experienced by people with addictions and their family members. Most people with no experience of treating chemically dependent individuals are baffled by the addicted individual's denial of a drug or alcohol problem, in spite of the evidence and negative consequences that surrounds them. These consequences can include but are not limited to: financial hardships, legal problems, relationship issues, academic problems, vocational problems, and  family discord to name a few.

Family Denial of Alcohol And Drug Problems
Many times the denial of the addiction not only affects the individual suffering from addiction, but also their family members as well. This denial is fueled by society's negative perception and stigma of addicted individuals. Many of fathers and mothers in this world every day bury their children saying "My Johnny was not an addict." The fact is, nobody plans on becoming an addict when they are children but if that happens never deny it and get help immediately. Would you bury your son with cancer and cry out my son did not have cancer? Compare the statistics, addiction related deaths is right up there with cancer. If your child has addiction he is not morally deficient, nor are you as a parent, so get over it and get help.

Where Does Addiction and Addicts Come From 
Our society is largely influenced by substances and chemicals which also are an important part of our economy. We all know that pharmaceutical companies and alcohol alone generate billions and billions of dollars. These two industries and their products are widely accepted and are relatively safe for most but not all. The fact is, some individuals(addicts) have adverse reactions to these chemicals. Now the substances are different but the reaction is the same for all individuals who are predisposed to addiction. No matter if it is alcohol or heroin once they ingest the substance to some undefined degree, in spite of their best efforts, are haunted by a mental obsession and physical compulsion to use more of that substance regardless of the consequences or any advice their loved ones give them.

In order for that mental obsession to be able to survive, with its counter part physical compulsion, it needs to delude the individual into believing that they have control over the substance, and their life or else the addiction reign would be over. This is where the denial is key. Without this deluded thought process addiction could not exist. Therefore, in treating addiction this denial must be eradicated from the addict and their family.

Most individuals, even today, are ignorant to the fact that addiction effects us all on some level. The individuals who suffer from addictions do so because, they have an adverse reaction to chemicals and not because they are poor, un-educated, weak, or have bad families.The disease of alcoholism and addiction does not discriminate. It attacks all people equally regardless of race, gender, color, religion or socioeconomic status. The mere fact that we deny it and discriminate against those who are addicted is what enables it to destroy so many lives in our society.

In my twenty years of experience, treating individuals and families with addiction problems, I have never met a single individual who, as a child, planned on becoming a drug addict or alcoholic when they grew up. Regardless, it happens every day, in every neighborhood, to all walks of life.

Alcoholism And Addiction Is A Family Disease 
The power of the addicted individuals denial may be so strong that it carries over to the addicted individuals family and many other important people in their life. These family members and loved ones enable the addiction to progress in the addicted individuals life by convincing themselves and others that the addicted individual’s problem is something other than it is. This is identical to the deluded addicts denial system. Together they will make excuses for the addicted individuals circumstances and will rationalize and justify irrational behavior. They will provide excuses such as: health, bad luck, accident proneness, depression, relationship problems, bad temper or “just going through a bad stage” this is a common phrase in addicted young people especially. The addicted individual as well as their family members will begin to blame the symptom for the problem. For instance, if I have a brain tumor and get head aches I do not blame the head ache! If the head ache goes away I still have the tumor.  The addicted individual will blame his drinking or drugging on the fact that they lost their job or girlfriend.. This is blaming the symptom and will just distract you from the real problem which is the addiction.

Are You An Enabler?
When people close to an alcoholic are affected by their own and the alcoholic’s denial, they often act in ways that protect the alcoholic from experiencing the full consequences of his or her behaviors. This type of protective behavior, although often motivated by love and concern, is referred to as enabling, because it permits the individual to continue drinking and allows the disease to progress, the symptoms to intensify and the consequences to become worse for all concerned. Like denial, enabling is another one of the symptoms of addictions—a symptom displayed by others, not by the alcoholic—that is not specifically mentioned in the diagnostic criteria, but that is a well-recognized aspect of the disease. Special groups, like Nar-Anon, Al-Anon and Al-Ateen, have been established to help people concerned about the addicts in their lives to understand them and to help them, largely by gaining the strength to stop enabling. Overcoming denial and enabling is often the first step into treatment for the drug or alcohol abuser.

You may think it is ridiculous to provide your child information about alcohol, illegal and prescription drugs at a young age. In fact, it is one of the most important conversations you need to have with your child.

You probably already taught your kids that the stove is dangerous and that matches are unsafe. As well as, the dangers of the toxic bottles of house cleaners under your kitchen sink and not to go into water unsupervised. The fact is, illegal and prescription drugs kill more children than all of those household hazards combined! Have the talk, your child is depending on it.

Ages Four to Seven:

At this age your child is more receptive to you than they will be in the upcoming pre-teen years so take advantage of it.

A good way to get the ball rolling is whenever you give a fever medication or an antibiotic to your child, you have the opportunity to discuss the dangers and the benefits of drugs. If you see someone smoking or someone on TV with a cigarette, talk to your child about nicotine addiction, and how it destroys your body.

Be specific about the effects of the drugs: how they make a person feel, the risk of overdose, and the other long-term damage they cause. The fact is many children are miss-informed and the media glamorizes drug and alcohol use. If you don't have the information yourself it is a good idea to sit and research it together with your child.

Ages Eight to Twelve:
At this age you can begin conversations with them by asking them what they think about drugs. By asking the questions in a nonjudgmental, open-ended way, you're more likely to get an honest response.
Kids this age usually are still willing to talk openly to their parents about touchy subjects. Establishing an open non judgmental line of communication now helps keep the door open as kids get older and are less inclined to share their thoughts and feelings so openly.
Even if your question doesn't immediately result in a discussion, you'll get your kids thinking about the issue. If you show your kids that you're willing to discuss the topic and hear what they have to say, they will be more willing to come to you for help in the future.
News, such as steroid use in professional sports, can be springboards for conversations to educate your children on addictions, physical consequences, high risk behavior and legal ramifications.

Ages thirteen to Eighteen:
At this stage all parents should have read our page on teenagers. When your children become teenagers they know other kids who use or abuse alcohol or other drugs. Since this is also the age where kids gain their driving privileges it is important to talk about the dangers of driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol. Advise your teenagers of the stark reality of Driving While Intoxicated or High (DWI) which is death.  Do not handle this issue lightly be firm and direct and never compromise. Lay it on them very hard about the legal issues like prison sentences and loss of driving privileges you will never regret it!.

If your child becomes withdrawn, loses weight, starts doing poorly in school, turns extremely moody, smells of alcohol or has glassy eyes please talk with your child and reach out for professional help from a Therapist or Doctor. Other signs are isolation, unable to maintain a schedule, needing money more than usual, unusual odors or paraphernalia left in the home. Anything you find on your child or in his room belongs to your child. Believe me whatever it is... It is not his friends! There is great information on our Drug Resources Network. We encourage all family members to watch the videos.

Parents can not solve or treat drug or alcohol abuse or dependence alone! There is no shame in making sure your child gets the help he/she needs. Do not personalize the the fact that your child engages or experiments with drugs or alcohol. Act now and get help if your child needs it. Many of mothers and fathers alike  spend years fantasizing that their children will get better due to the promises these children make. However, these mothers and fathers only sit and watch the progressive nature of addiction take over their child and families lives.

Addiction is a Family Disease which affects everyone in the family. Do not lie to yourself. Parental denial only enables the disease of addiction to progress to worse stages which at times ends in death. So be honest, don't look the other way and get help when you need it. You will be helping your child to a healthier, happier future. Please do not use this website as a substitute for any professional help as stated in our disclaimer.

Mothers and Fathers alike know their children best and should model and promote a healthy lifestyle. Encouraging children to become involved in healthy activities such as, sports, clubs, music lessons, community service projects, drama groups, church, and other activities. These activities will keep children and teens interested in positive things, while building their self esteem and interpersonal skills.  In addition, positive activities like these will bring children closer to other adults and peers who can influence them in positive ways.

Engage in family activities and hobbies together. Children thrive when they feel they are part of a healthy family unit. If you lack these activities in your home  make a decision today to start implementing them. Find activities you and your child can enjoy and share time together doing. Try and chose an activity that  not only reaps pleasure but demands commitment and attention which reinforces ongoing responsibility. This could be a summer project of building something inside or outside the home. You could also get involved in building and flying kites. There are many activities that demand a little attention daily and have great rewards we encourage you to use your imagination and devise these activities for you and your children together.

If your child has started using drugs get professional help. Do not try and treat drug abuse/addiction with any of the above alternatives to drug use. We suggest getting treatment first, then work these changes into the treatment plan for the child and family.

1. Make sure you know exactly what prescription medications and OTC drugs you have in your house. Where are they stored? Would you know if any were missing?
2. Monitor quantities by making a note of how many pills are in a bottle or pill packet. Keep track of refills and take note if you have more than usual refills.
3. Control medications by making sure they are stored in a safe and secure location with restricted access. If you have elderly relatives make sure their medications are equally well protected and monitored for quantities and refills. Older people are less likely to notice missing pills and unlikely to suspect a loving grandchild of stealing their medications.
4. Make sure teenagers use medications only as prescribed by a doctor. Tell your teenager about the real dangers of abusing prescription medications and OTC drugs as well as the dangers of mixing them with street drugs and alcohol.
5. Be a good role model by using your medications as prescribed and not sharing or abusing them. A good Role Model teaches responsibility by demonstrating behavior in action not just verbally. 
6. Properly conceal and dispose of old or unused medications, which should be mixed with undesirable substances like kitty litter or old coffee grounds and thrown away in a concealed container in the trash.
7. Ask friends, kid's friends and family members to safeguard their prescriptions. Make sure they know the risks, especially grandparents, and encourage them to constantly monitor their medications. Children transitioning between households should be monitored by both custodial and non custodial parents.
8. Know the signs of drug abuse including drowsiness, dizziness, slurred speech, changes in attitude and behavior, dilated pupils, sweating and nausea.
9. Be vigilant about your teens' activities on line. Teenagers with access to a computer and a credit card can order prescription drugs on line without a legitimate prescription. Be aware of packages mailed to your home.
10. If you suspect your teenager is using drugs, don't wait to get help. Speak to your teen about the dangers of illicit drug use and reiterate expectations and consequences of their behavior. Read our Page On Treatment to Understand What can be done and where to get help in your area.
    

Alcohol and substance abuse is destroying many children in our society. Make a deal with your teenager that you will agree to pick him and his friends up if anyone who was driving had a drink or used any drugs. In addition you agree that there will be no questions asked and no negative consequence. If this becomes more than an isolated incident you may need to seek treatment for your child. Either way you look at it this provides your child safety, gives you peace of mind and the ability to intervene at any time.

1. Teach your children to trust you by seeing you as a role model.

2. Be patient, not just tolerant. Apologize when you make a mistake or do something you regret.

3. Ask teens what they need from you – and do whatever you can to meet those needs.

4. Listen to your teens, a lot. Avoid interrupting.

5. Teach your children about ethics, values and principles they can apply in choices and decision making.

6. Help them discover the feeling of gratitude, not just to say thank you.

7. Keep the promises you make. If you do not keep your word, acknowledge that. Help your teen understand the circumstances or choices that precipitated the change in your plans.

8. Answer your teen’s questions and be consistent. When you notice behavioral changes in them, make yourself available and encourage them to talk about what is going on in their life.

9. Be understanding when they have a difficult time and let them know you will love them no matter what.

10. Be diligent. Have ongoing conversations with your kids about the risks of drugs and alcohol.