
In many Romanian families, drugs are a taboo subject. In addition to the fact that some parents are uncomfortable bringing up this topic with their children, they live with the impression that by not discussing it, they are protecting them. That if he talks, he will give them ideas, he will arouse their curiosity, he will practically send them to such an experience. But nothing more fake.
In the summer of 2023, a number of shocking events related to drug use were discussed in the public space: young people who were taken out of festivals by ambulance after taking psychoactive substances, fatal road accidents caused by drugged drivers, and the death of some drug victims. . Why, in these conditions, do we risk ignoring the problems instead of moving the discussion to the family, together with children who are preparing or have already reached adolescence?
Everyday reality, research, psychologists show that when children do not receive certain information from their parents, they will look for answers in their circle of friends, on the Internet or in other places. More often than not, they will find skewed, incomplete data there that can pinpoint the behavior of concern, in this case, an increased temptation to try/use illicit substances.
The National Drug Enforcement Agency’s (ANA) Adolescent and Youth Drug Prevention Guide is based on the premise that the most important thing is to give children/adolescents the tools to increase their own ability to resist the urge/temptation to experiment. with drug use, especially during the delicate period when they make the transition from childhood to adolescence.
The lack of strong parent-child emotional ties, an aggressive parenting style based only on restrictions and prohibitions, rigid thinking never lead to balanced decisions on the part of a teenage child. Vice versa. Therefore, the solution remains honest, constant communication and unconditional emotional support from parents to the child.
Corina Dobre, a psychotherapist who coordinates programs for teens and parents, says that in addition to giving a child the right information about drug use, it’s important for parents to explain to them the changes that occur in their brain during adolescence and how they contribute to it. to hasty and dangerous decisions. “It is important for him to know that the changes that occur in the prefrontal cortex, the area responsible for self-control and reward systems, affect his behavior, can make him act impulsively and prevent him from correctly assessing danger, especially when he is with friends, in emotional contexts . But let him also know that his father is nearby, ready to understand him and discuss this topic at any moment.”
Equally important is that parents let their children know what their family values are on the subject, what their limitations and views are on drugs, and why they are adamant about their use. “If I, the parent, clearly understand this and regularly show it to my teenager, eventually I will shape his beliefs, and he will turn them into his own values,” says Korina Dobre.
Types of approaches and their effect
There are several ways to approach this topic in the family, depending on the age of the child, his personality, the information he already has, the relationship between the parents and the child, the environment, etc. Parents should choose what suits them, taking into account all these parameters.
For many parents, the most comfortable approach is the shock/fear type, where the child is shown consumption incidents that have led to tragedies. However, in the guide cited above, ANA experts show that such exposure, accompanied by sermons and fear-based propaganda, can be ineffective, and the young person may be more concerned about the danger to others than to themselves.
An exclusively scientific approach with the provision of dry data about the problem is also not recommended (as a unique approach), it leads to the enrichment of knowledge, and not necessarily to a change in consumer intentions. Affective and behavioral approaches are very useful, which means support for self-knowledge, for understanding one’s own feelings and help to increase self-esteem.
Homework for parents: How drugs affect the brain
“You know nothing!” – this is a favorite remark of teenagers to their parents when they feel that they do not have a communication partner. When it comes to drugs, many parents really don’t know much, and in order to provide their children with relevant information when they are ready to listen, parents must first educate themselves.
Here’s how the most common drugs work and what information you can tell your son/daughter, according to the National Drug Enforcement Agency’s guide:
- HEMP: consumption of cannabis first causes euphoria, then relaxation and calmness. It causes a feeling of levitation and relaxation, loss of inhibitions, muscle coordination and concentration. It can make your heart beat faster, make your eyes red, and increase your appetite. Large amounts can cause panic, hallucinations, restlessness and confusion. High doses can also alter physical perception, similar to hallucinations. Regular use over a long period of time increases the risk of addiction, causes cognitive impairment and can exacerbate existing mental health problems.
- STIMULUS (ecstasy, cocaine): Short-term effects include acceleration of the central nervous system; a short-term intense feeling of intoxication and an exaggerated sense of confidence. Immediately, the condition quickly changes for the worse and may force the person to repeat the dose. Long-term effects include insomnia, irritability, mental health problems, and suspiciousness and distrust of others (paranoia).
- Opioids: cause a feeling of alienation and dreaming, drowsiness, narrowing of the pupils, nausea, vomiting, constipation. Overdose leads to loss of consciousness, respiratory arrest and death. Tolerance, physical and mental dependence can quickly develop. Discontinuation of use may result in cancellation.
- Hallucinogens: they change a person’s mood, change perception, and change sensory modalities (consumers see sounds and hear colors). Other short-term effects are feelings of panic, fear, and anxiety. Accidents and suicides are not uncommon. Tolerance to substances can develop, with many users reporting feeling the effects of the substance days or even months after stopping use. These experiences of past effects are called “flashbacks.” Regular use of hallucinogens can impair memory and concentration. Flashbacks can cause disorientation, anxiety, and discomfort.
When is the right time to start a discussion about drugs
Even if we feel like our kids won’t be in the same room with a drug addict/trafficker until high school/college (and maybe they will be), we don’t need to wait until then to start this family discussion.
Children have heard about drugs since elementary school, and it is quite natural for them to be curious and ask: what is it? Why are they banned? How does it work? How are they sold if banned? Who consumes them? Why
These are all legitimate questions, and it’s a chance for parents to gain children’s trust on this topic by providing accurate information tailored to their children’s ability to understand, accept reality, and emotional maturity. Later, as children grow, the information should also become deeper and more detailed, and documentaries and films can be a starting point for these discussions.
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Source: Hot News

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