Talking to Kids About Substance Use By Cassie Johnson
T
he long-awaited summer vacation is here! Pool parties, sleeping in, and summer camps are in full swing. Unfortunately, so are situations where children and teens are home alone during the day while parents are at work. In natural curiosity, they may experiment with alcohol, illegal drugs, or medications within their own home.
Talk. They Hear You
This is the name of a program sponsored by the Substance Abuse
20
JUNE - JULY 2021
and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Parents and caregivers of children and teens are encouraged to start talking to their children at a young age about underage drinking and substance use. Approaching children before they are exposed to drugs or alcohol could make a huge difference in their decisions. According to SAMHSA, approximately 3,300 kids as young as 12 try marijuana each day. About 10-12 percent of pre-teens admit to trying alcohol, but by age 15 that number jumps to an astounding 50
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