Make Every Week Red Ribbon Week
By Robert D. Grupe, Prevention Coordinator
During the months of April and October, drug and alcohol prevention takes a much needed place in the American public's consciousness. April has been designated as Alcohol Awareness Month and activities range from a Statewide Youth Forum to Mock DUI trials and crash simulations. In October, the emphasis is placed on Red Ribbon Week. Essay contests, poster contests, candlelight vigils and many other activities take place during this time. At these two times, the drug and alcohol problem facing our youth has a certain amount of publicity and groups rightfully use this in an attempt to raise awareness. These events are excellent but the question that needs asking is a simple one. What is needed to make prevention a focus all year round?
One of the most common methods of creating an awareness of something is by constant exposure. Remember all of those years of learning multiplication tables in school. This was done for a purpose and most people can do multiplication in a pinch. What does this have to do with the drug problem? Drugs and alcohol are in the lives of our youth. Usually, kids are being exposed to drugs and alcohol EARLIER than exposure to the multiplication tables. This is a scary truth that needs to be explored. The key to taking on the drug problem is exposure, involvement, and honesty. The adult role models must obtain and maintain an open, honest relationship with the youth. It cannot be a matter of denial any longer.
Youth are being exposed to drugs and alcohol very early in life. By the age of twelve, there is an above average chance that your child has either experimented with or been offered an illegal substance. Cigarette and alcohol ads use cartoon-like characters in their marketing strategy. It is a sad state of affairs when more students recognize Joe Camel over any other cartoon character save Mickey Mouse. The same can probably be said about a certain group of frogs. The negative exposure is out there so some positives need to be done. During elections, politicians are allowed EQUAL time to speak with the media. This should be true with the drug and alcohol problem as well. Public Service Announcements are an excellent way to make this happen and they are not limited to be only used during special weeks or months. Families also need to get involved with this exposure. If you start to wonder if your child is involved in drug and alcohol use then you are probably too late.
Involvement is paramount in raising a drug-free child. Here are several suggestions to remember. First, get to know the kids that your child has as friends. This is an excellent indication of possible problems if your child is secretive about new friends. Second, be open with your children about your past. A lot of youth I have spoken to feel that parents are afraid to talk about these things because "they did it when they were younger so they have no right to say anything now." All the more reason to say something to your kids. In a recent episode of Home Improvement, the parents found out that one of their sons was using marijuana. The issue that arose was whether or not to tell the son that his mother had used when she was younger. The mother was honest and open and used this experience to an advantage. This can be the case in the real world as well. Finally, let your child know that they can talk to you about anything. A large part of the drug problem is that the children do not have all the facts. By educating yourself and being a positive role model, you can open a dialogue that can expose the facts.
Above all else, be honest with the youth. Honesty is one tool that can be used in all situations. It lets the kid know you care enough not to lie to them and opens perspectives that may not have surfaced. When a child makes a mistake, do not let them make it worse because they feel you won't understand or will yell at them. It is necessary to be a source of information and support instead of a disciplinary source sometimes. Drug use really is in most ways a cry for help.
Make drug and alcohol prevention a daily part of your lives. By living prevention day to day instead of special event to special event, you can more effectively deal with the problems it creates in our youth. But until then, remember that you are not alone and help is out there if you look for it. For more information on prevention possibilities or just to get some facts, feel free to contact Heartland Human Services. We can make every week Red Ribbon week!