Family Prevention Strategies

Implement  these in your home to prevent drug and alcohol use

Be Consistent

• Make sure that both adults/guardians are sharing the same message on drug and alcohol use
• Create consistent rules, boundaries and consequences around drugs, alcohol and peer groups
• Set boundaries and verify they are met; extend privileges as earned over time
• Model the behaviors that you want to see in your child
• Engage in positive activities such as exercise, athletics, faith and constructive hobbies

Communicate

• Listen more than you speak and create opportunities for two-way conversations around substance use
• Share real-life examples of drug and alcohol use and their consequences
• Role-play situations and give your child words to say “no” and remove themselves from peer pressure
• Share personal/family use with honesty, but without reliving or glamorizing past drug/alcohol use.

Educate Yourself

• Identify current drugs and paraphernalia associated with drug use
• Be able to recognize the signs and symptoms of drug/alcohol use
• Know the effects of drug use and what your child is likely to look like on drugs
• Properly dispose of unused prescription pills and lock and monitor alcohol or family members prescriptions
• Create a home atmosphere where kids feel comfortable

Know Your Child

• Be able to recognize anything out of the ordinary that may be signs of substance use
• Be aware of internet use and what kids are posting, sharing and viewing online
• Check your child’s room and backpack for drug paraphernalia and alcohol on a regular basis
• Discuss boundaries around drugs/alcohol with parents your teens interact with
• Use drug testing or breathalyzers to verify the behavior
• Try to spend 15 minutes a day with each child

Build Community

• Enlist the support of family, friends, coaches, etc. to help support and uphold family values
• Encourage members of your community to create a drug and alcohol prevention plan.

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