Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking

• Attraction – smoking and drinking are widely promoted as habits enjoyed by sophisticated, fun-loving, and attractive people.

• Similar attitudes of parents toward tobacco, alcohol, and other substances

• Easy availability of drugs

• Peer pressure

• Option to relieve pain, Insecurity, or social rejection

• Refuge from academic failure

• Mental health issues, like depression

Help prevent drug abuse in children & young adults

* Communicate to your children about the risks of drug use and abuse.

* Be a good listener. Prevention starts when you start listening to your children talk about peer pressure; be supportive of their efforts to resist drugs.

* Set a good example. Don’t abuse alcohol or drugs. Children of parents who abuse drugs are at greater risk.

* Strengthen the family bonds. Work on relationships with children. A strong, stable bond between you & your child will reduce the child’s risk of using or abusing drugs.

* Talk about what teens see or hear on television and websites. Show them television programs, movies, or websites that underestimate drug use.

* Help your children to make good choices and good friends.

* keep track of your child’s activities. Ask them questions and keep a track of their interests.