Parents with the best of intentions sometimes do things that unwittingly encourage their teens to experiment with drugs and alcohol. Take the time to make sure you are not making these common mistakes: Not Taking a Firm Stand Against Drug Use Long before your child faces the pressures of adolescence, they should know your stance on drugs. If you convey
Read moreWith all the statistics and media coverage of teens abusing alcohol and drugs, parents may feel discouraged and worried that they can’t protect their child from the pitfalls of substance abuse. Fortunately, that is not true. Research has consistently shown that parents have a very strong influence on their child’s likelihood of trying drugs. For example, in December 2012, Science
Read moreWhen you talk to your children about “saying no to drugs,” you are probably thinking about cigarettes, marijuana, heroin and alcohol. And yes, it is absolutely critical that parents tell their kids about the dangers of these substances. But, sometimes we forget to include our own medicine cabinet in that conversation. More and more teens are abusing prescription drugs and
Read moreA couple of decades ago, parents worried about teenagers using marijuana, cocaine and heroine. Nowadays, parents need to be more worried about what’s in their medicine cabinet. Latest Research A new study by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reports that the proportion of all substance abuse treatment admissions of those aged 12 and older involving abuse
Read moreAlcohol is, by far, the most socially acceptable and easiest drug to obtain in our country. For that reason, it’s a popular choice among teens. Although it is illegal for teens to purchase alcohol, they can often get it through their parent’s own liquor cabinets, unscrupulous store clerks, or older friends who purchase it for them. The median age at
Read moreIn the latest research from the Partnership for a Drug-Free America, 37% of teens – more than ever before – revealed they learned a lot about the risks of drugs from their parents. This is good news that parents have heard the message that they are the most powerful influence on their teen’s behaviors regarding drugs and are talking to their children
Read moreTeenagers and substance abuse are not a great mix. Parents, teachers, law enforcement and other community members often strive to prevent children from experimenting with drugs and alcohol. In the hope of educating the public, Middle Earth has compiled some interesting information from a variety of sources on this topic. Is there really a problem? There are numerous studies and
Read moreA recent New York Times article indicated that alcohol use among teenagers is highly prevalent in the latest Harry Potter movie. The Times reports that “young wizards and their adult professors are seen sipping, gulping and pouring various forms of alcohol to calm their nerves, fortify their courage or comfort their sorrows.” You can view the NYTimes article mentioned at
Read more