Drugs are everywhere and may be closer to you and your family than you think. And for those who believe they are free from being surprised by the ghost of drugs, I recommend paying close attention, as this kind of thinking reveals ignorance and alienation regarding the subject, which is an extremely dangerous stance.
If you have teenage children, know that they are no longer children, even though they still lack the maturity to be treated as adults. Adolescence is a transitional phase, filled with conflicts, fears, insecurities, desires, and a lot of curiosity. It is during this phase of life that many important things happen: the first kiss, the inseparable group of friends, the parties, dating, the first sexual relationship, the college entrance exam, the search for independence… It is a true rehearsal for adult life.
Many cases of chemical dependency begin in adolescence, with a simple curiosity. In the eagerness to explore new worlds, a young person may venture down paths of knowledge or degradation, such as involvement with drugs. The solution is not to stifle curiosity but to channel it into other things that bring joy and not misery to the curious one and their entire family. A lack of life prospects can also lead young people to seek involvement with drugs. In this scenario, reckless and irrational behaviors can lead many teenagers to situations of real danger.
The need to belong to a group makes young people very susceptible to the influence exerted by friends, peers, and even their idols. In the long run, the young person will become like those they associate with; therefore, it is essential to know who your children are socializing with. If any of your children are involved with drugs, your main weapon should always be dialogue. Don’t even think about radical actions, such as punishments, beatings, or kicking them out of the house… If your child has become a victim of drugs, they must already be very confused and facing various problems. Terrorizing them at home will only reinforce the belief that drugs are the best escape. Therefore, dialogue, affection, and understanding! But be careful: understanding your children’s problems does not mean being lenient with the means they have found to solve them, which are drugs. Doctors, psychologists, and specialized organizations can be of great help.
And if this is not your case, make sure it doesn’t become one! There are many things you can do for the well-being of your children and your family, such as giving them more attention. In the rush of daily life, lack of time is a problem, but a bigger problem is poorly spent time. Therefore, focus more on the quality than the quantity of time you spend with your children. Spending hours watching television without talking is pointless. If there is no dialogue, how will a relationship of trust and friendship be established between you?
Participating in your children’s lives and your family is the main way to identify potential problems and seek solutions. In families that communicate, there is a true exchange, where everyone participates, commits, and teaches each other. Parents have much to teach their children, but they also have much to learn. If your children feel sincerity in this attitude and not just a strategy, they will trust you and accept your influence more easily, especially regarding keeping them away from drugs.
DR. LAIR RIBEIRO
Cardiologist, speaker
www.lairribeiro.com.br
lrsintonia@terra.com.br