Adolescents whose parents talk to them on a regular basis about substance abuse and genetic predispositions are 42% less likely to use drugs; however, only 1 in 4 teens reported having these conversations

REASONS WHY PARENTS DON'T TALK TO THEIR KIDS ABOUT DRUGS      

1.      Your kids would never do drugs.

     It is dangerous to be naive. High school kids are exposed to drugs every day.   Even grade school kids are at risk.   Fact is, the average age of kids first trying illegal drugs is under 14.   And every day, nearly 5,000 teens try pot for the first time.   Every kid is at risk.  There are no exceptions. 

2.       It’s hypocritical because you did drugs when you were a kid.

         What you did back then doesn’t matter; because drugs today are nothing like when you were young.   There are far more of them and many that are much stronger.   Even pot.   Some articles have reported that it’s twice as powerful on average than it was 20 years ago, with twice the concentration of THC, the chemical that affects the brain.   Add all the stuff like crack, ecstasy, meth, huffing, and whatever you did as a kid, was nothing much compared to today.  

3.       Talking to your kids doesn’t do any good.

        Not true when it comes to drugs.   Kids whose parents get involved with them are 42% less likely to do drugs, but only 25% of kids have had those conversations with their parents.  It may not seem like it, but they want to know you care—and you will be getting through to them.  Even if they role their eyes, sulk and act belligerent, do it anyway.  It may be awkward and you may not think that they are listening to you but the truth is your opinion matters more than you know.  As parents, we are responsible for the safety of our children.  You can find out how  how to talk to your kids on the Partnership for a Drug Free America website at: www.timetotalk.org

  4.      Your kids know more about drugs than you do.