Preventing Addiction
Preventing Addiction
Perhaps one of the most difficult situations to deal with in life is when we or someone in our family is struggling with addiction. There are many forms of addiction, but the most life threatening ones are alcohol and drug addiction. These are preventable but it is somehow difficult to treat. They cause permanent and irreversible brain effects that one will have an urge to use drugs and alcohol for the rest of his life. They say prevention is better than cure, and this is always true. It is best that one should avoid the use or abuse of these substances before it can lead to addiction and destroy the one’s life.
Most of these addiction start with the early use of alcohol and drugs. It has been reported that children ages 12 to 13 learn to smoke cigarettes. By the time they reach 15 or 16 years of age, they have become addicted to illicit drugs and some forms of promiscuity. With the availability of prohibited drugs worldwide and the ill effects of mass media, it is a challenging situation parent’s face in raising a child.
It may be impossible to predict if a child will be a victim of addiction, but sad to say, every child is a potential addict. Good parenting is a strong defense against the evils of addiction. Being active in school, church and community prevention programs is needed to support every family. Each program should be tailor made to match every person’s need. Of course there is money issue concerning this area, but it is more important that each individual is aware of what is going on and how to prevent these things from happening. They need to be sensitive to the people they are trying to help and be able to communicate with them. Factors such as culture, language, socio-economic status and many more should be considered.
Adults and children alike should be oriented with facts and information they need to know so they can avoid the pitfalls of alcohol and drug abuse. Former addicts can share with them their experiences regarding the terrible side effects on their relationships and lives. It is not too early to talk to a child about this matter. The child will soon be an adolescent and will learn these things from peers, in a destructive way. Parents need to be open to their children and listen to what their children are saying. This way, it will be easier for parents to see if their children are in danger or not.
Being a good example is the best way to communicate with children. If children see their parents or older people smoke or take these things, chances are, they will do it too. Parents should have an open mind that their child can become an addict. Being denial about this matter will only aggravate things. The only way to solve this problem is by first, admitting that there is a problem and that the person needs help. It is a difficult and challenging road in protecting our children, but nothing is impossible if it is done with much love and affection. We should always remind our children not to play with fire.