Talking to your

children about drugs

Source: Nicole Peritore, program coordinator

Many conversations are hard to start. One of these conversations may be talking to your children about drugs. There are many different ways to talk about this subject that could make it less stressful for the both of you.

Children may hear about drugs and abuse from many different places. They also may learn by seeing family members use a drug, such as a daily medication, at home. Your child may have questions about drugs, both prescribed and illegal.

Starting the conversation about drug use and abuse may make the most sense after a school presentation. This could open the door for conversation about the topics discussed during the program and allow the child to ask questions.

It is important to remember to keep the conversation private when talking about drugs and drug use. Answer your child’s questions honestly. Also, make sure that there is enough time for you and your child to talk. Do not rush through the conversation and make sure that all of their questions are answered.

If you child does not have a school program about drug use approaching, you may want to start a discussion by talking about your own medicine cabinet. If you, your child or other family member takes a daily medication you may want to explain the reason for that medication. You can talk about how the drug was prescribed by a doctor, why only a certain amount is to be taken daily, and the importance of taking only the prescribed amount. You may find that your child has questions about other medicines in the cabinet that are not taken regularly or ones that he or she has taken in the past.

Talk to your child about being sure that he or she only takes medicine from someone that he or she knows or trusts such as a parent, family member or doctor. As a parent, make sure you keep drugs stored out of reach from children. For even more protection, install a safety lock on the medicine cabinet. If you take a regular medication, make sure to put it away when you are done. This can prevent a child from mistaking the drug for something else that is edible.

While it’s a difficult subject to approach, studies have shown that when parents talk to their children about drugs, their children are 50 percent less likely to use or misuse drugs. Talking to your child about responsible drug use may help them in the future.

For more information about this topic please visit http://www.drugabuse.gov/ or contact the Clinton County office of the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service.

Educational programs of the Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of race, color, sex, religion, disability or national origin.

Truth and Consequences: The Choice is Yours

All freshman students will participate in Truth and Consequences: The Choice is Yours on Tuesday, March 24th at the Clinton County Fairgrounds.

The purpose of the program is to allow students to experience the consequences of drug and alcohol abuse. Each student will be randomly given a situation related to drug or alcohol use that will require them to be accompanied by an adult to face the consequences.

The consequences will introduce students to a variety of organizations and agencies in our community, such as law enforcement, the courts, health care facilities, and others. Parents and community volunteers are needed. For more information, contact the Extension Office at 387-5404 or christy.nuetzman@uky.edu.