Talking to your kids about drugs might be easier than you think
All parents worry about their children and the possibility that they may become involved with drugs. Talking to your children about drugs might seem like a minefield. How do you approach the subject without your child feeling like you are accusing them of using drugs? How do you judge just how much detail to go into? When is the best time to bring the subject up? Help is available.
Know the Score can provide you with the information that you need to make these important conversations easier. The Know the Score website has a special section dedicated to parents. Here you can find out information about the different types of drugs that are available, the effects drugs can have and how to bring up the subject of drugs with your children.
The Know the Score helpline is available 24 hours a day. Trained advisors will be able to answer your questions and you can also request literature to be sent out to you so that you can go through it with your children.
There's also a guide specifically aimed at parents called ‘Drugs: What Every Parent Should Know' which gives information about the different types of drugs your children may come into contact with. For your copy simply call the Know the Score helpline on 0800 587 587 9.
Research has shown that children as young as 12 are being exposed to drugs such as cannabis and ecstasy, so it's not only important to talk to your children about these drugs it's also important that you know something about them.
Do you know that in the short-term cannabis impairs your ability to concentrate and conduct complex tasks and can lead to tiredness and lack of motivation? In the long term regular heavy use can lead to development or worsening of mental health problems including paranoia. Smoked with tobacco, it increases the health risks associated with tobacco use and can lead to nicotine addiction. Very heavy use can lead to withdrawal symptoms and heart and breathing problems.
What about ecstasy? Do you know that within 20 minutes to one hour ecstasy increases your energy and sense of well-being and that sounds, colours and emotions become more intense? In the long term ecstasy use has been linked to mental health problems, and liver, kidney and brain damage. For more information like this simply go to www.knowthescore.info
Talking to your children about drugs, and listening to what they have to say with an open mind, is vital as it may be the only way they get accurate information about drugs. For more information go to www.knowthescore.info or call the free, confidential 24-hour Know the Score helpline on 0800 587 587 9.
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