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What are the Best Ways to Prevent Alcohol and Drug Abuse?
Anyone who has battled addiction will tell you it is extremely difficult to stop the practice once it is started. Preventing alcohol and drug abuse before it starts is therefore extremely important, and this prevention should start at a young age. One of the best ways to prevent alcohol and drug abuse is to form a family mentality and attitude that fosters positive behaviors and discourages alcohol and drug abuse. Parents can lead by example by abstaining from drugs and alcohol altogether, or drinking alcohol in moderation and only using prescription drugs responsibly.
Children will often mimic the behaviors of those around them, and since family members often have the greatest influence on children, it is important for parents and siblings to discourage alcohol and drug use in the home. While alcohol consumption is not necessarily a bad or taboo practice, it should be discouraged in young children to help prevent alcohol and drug abuse at a young age. It is difficult or impossible to prevent a child from abusing drugs or alcohol when the person trying to do the prevention is participating in the use of alcohol or drugs.
School programs are also geared toward educating young children and teens about the dangers of alcohol and drug abuse. Schools are often the setting for many kids' introductions to drugs and alcohol, so teachers and administrators need to be aware of the risks and savvy to the best methods of teaching the dangers of alcohol and drug abuse. Such methods may include classes and seminars specifically designed to educate kids about the risks of substance abuse, inviting guest speakers to speak to students about their experiences with drugs and alcohol, and even developing a response system that addresses students who may be at risk of substance abuse.
Community responses to alcohol and drug abuse are also necessary. This may mean making substance abuse services available to all people; counseling, drug treatment centers, and community programs aimed at educating people of all ages about the risks of substance abuse are all ways to help prevent such abuse. Laws are almost always in place to address substance abuse; drug possession charges can lead to fines and jail time, and public drunkenness can lead to a night or two in jail as well. Drinking and driving can produce serious consequences, the least of which is suspension of one's license and the more significant of which can be lengthy jail terms.
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![Following the instructions provided by a doctor is a good way to avoid abusing prescription drugs.]()
By: Feng YuFollowing the instructions provided by a doctor is a good way to avoid abusing prescription drugs. -
![Laws are in place to discourage individuals from driving under the influence.]()
By: Danny HooksLaws are in place to discourage individuals from driving under the influence. -
![Wine should not be mixed with prescription medications.]()
By: misalevaWine should not be mixed with prescription medications. -
![Jail time is one possible consequence of possessing illegal drugs.]()
By: angelo.giJail time is one possible consequence of possessing illegal drugs. -
![Discourage drug use at a young age is among the most effective preventive approaches.]()
By: candy1812Discourage drug use at a young age is among the most effective preventive approaches. -
![Questions asked during an alcohol and drug screening usually examine the social, legal, and personal costs of addiction.]()
By: Sergey NivensQuestions asked during an alcohol and drug screening usually examine the social, legal, and personal costs of addiction. -
![Talking through issues with a counselor can help prevent the abuse of alcohol and other drugs.]()
By: Africa StudioTalking through issues with a counselor can help prevent the abuse of alcohol and other drugs. -
![People in social settings where alcohol is being served may feel pressured into drinking more.]()
By: DeklofenakPeople in social settings where alcohol is being served may feel pressured into drinking more. -
![It's easiest to stop drug abuse before it starts.]()
By: Focus Pocus LTDIt's easiest to stop drug abuse before it starts. -
![The signs of teen alcohol addiction usually involve major personality changes.]()
By: BlueSkyImagesThe signs of teen alcohol addiction usually involve major personality changes.
Discussion Comments
What about religious belief? I think this can also be an important tool. I, for one, don't drink or do drugs because both of these are forbidden in my religion. I know they are very dangerous and unhealthy but the fact that I would be sinning by doing them has always been a strong tool for me. I suggest the same for others.
I'm not an expert on this topic but I have friends who have battled these issues in the past. They had to change their life around completely to recover from their addictions and it started with getting new friends. There is a saying that a bad apple makes the rest go bad too. It's true. If one has friends who engages in alcohol and drug abuse, it's difficult to resist. Many kids drink or do drugs to fit in and to be more like their friends. So I think that one of the best ways to prevent drug abuse and alcohol abuse is to pick our friends wisely.
Children taking their parents as role models is definitely true. There was a study done which showed that children of alcoholics have a greater likelihood to be alcoholics themselves than children of non-alcoholics. Some believe that there is a hereditary factor involved. Although addictive behaviors may partly be hereditary just like other disorders, part of it also has to do with the kind of example that parents set for their children.
Unfortunately, it's not enough for parents to tell their children to avoid abusing these substances. They also need to be a good example by avoiding them themselves.
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