Prevention and Control

The central idea in preventing drug and alcohol abuse is the old saying: prevention is better than cure. This is especially true because the habits of smoking, drinking, or taking drugs are most often picked up at a young age, particularly during adolescence. The best strategy, therefore, is to identify the situations that might push an adolescent toward substance use and take corrective steps well in time.

Parents and teachers carry a special responsibility here. Research shows that parenting which combines high levels of nurturance (warmth and care) with consistent discipline is linked to a lower risk of substance abuse. The textbook lists five specific measures that are particularly useful for the prevention and control of alcohol and drug abuse among adolescents.

Avoid undue peer pressure. Every child has their own choice and personality, and these must be respected and nurtured. A child should not be pushed beyond their natural limits — whether in studies, sports, or other activities. Respecting individual capacity reduces the stress that can drive a child toward substances.

Education and counselling. Adolescents need to be educated and counselled to face problems and stresses, and to accept disappointments and failures as a normal part of life. It is also very useful to channel a child’s energy into healthy pursuits such as sports, reading, music, yoga, and other extracurricular activities. These outlets provide positive alternatives to substance use.

Seeking help from parents and peers. If a child feels troubled, they should immediately seek help from parents or peers, who can guide them appropriately. Help can also come from close and trusted friends. Apart from getting proper advice to solve their problems, this process allows young people to vent their feelings of anxiety and guilt, which is itself therapeutic.

Looking for danger signs. Alert parents and teachers need to watch for the danger signs of substance abuse (discussed earlier in the chapter). Even friends, if they notice someone using drugs or alcohol, should not hesitate to bring this to the notice of parents or teachers — this is in the best interest of the person concerned. Once identified, appropriate measures can be taken to diagnose the problem and its underlying causes, leading to proper remedial steps or treatment. …