Parental involvement in the lives of teens is vital and can reduce the
opportunities for risky behavior. Being an advocate for your child's
well-being means more than being there when they want you to be. Being an advocate means taking control. When teen trends emerge, parents and caregivers are often the last to know. Staying educated and up-to-date
is a parent's responsibility and ultimately will make the difference in who they are.
In recent years, the abuse of prescription medications has been on the rise. Availability and access, parental habits, and ill-education are the largest contributing factors. Prescription drug abuse is not harmless or safer than the use of illicit drugs; prescription drug use kills.
Take these steps to protect your teen:
1. Eaves drop. It is okay to listen in on conversations your teen is having-- you are the parent. If you hear something that is peculiar, ask them about it. If you do not recognize the term, Google it.