FAMILY MENTAL WELLNESS
How to Talk with Kids About Substance Use BY PAM MCKEOWN , OKLAHOMA DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH & SUBSTANCE ABUSE SERVICES
Surprisingly, a third of Oklahoma students, including nearly 37 percent of sixth graders, said they got alcohol from home with their parents’ permission . It’s worth noting: giving alcohol to minors is illegal and providing a location for underage drinking violates Oklahoma’s social host law. Underage alcohol use can lead to impaired brain development and alcohol dependency in adulthood. Youth who begin drinking before age 15 are six times more likely to develop alcohol dependence or abuse later in life than those who begin drinking at or after age 21, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). For decades in Oklahoma, alcohol has been among the top three drugs of abuse for adults seeking addiction treatment services, reports the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS). The other top drugs of abuse are marijuana and methamphetamine. In addition to impairing brain development at a critical time, for Oklahoma kids who are experimenting with alcohol and marijuana, the substances can contribute to the onset of certain mental health disorders. Prevention, of course, is always the best medicine. ODMHSAS actively works with Oklahoma communities, school systems, Regional Prevention Networks, healthcare entities, state agencies, businesses and civic organizations to prevent or reduce youth substance abuse. But parents — and teachers — are the ones on the front lines, and conversations with kids from the trusted adults in their lives about the dangers of substance use are critical in imparting knowledge and preventing abuse. When parents and teachers work together as a team to discuss learning difficulties, peer problems, academic achievements and friendships, the effect is even more powerful in identifying and preventing issues that can lead to abuse. To get started talking with kids about the realities of substance use, use these tips from The Partnership to End Addiction: Preschool (2-4 years old) • It’s never too early to start talking about substance abuse. The foundation for healthy habits is created during the preschool years. • When giving your preschooler a vitamin, explain, “You need to take vitamins every day so you can grow up big and strong, but you should only take what I, or a doctor, give you.” • Explain the importance of eating healthy foods, exercising and getting a good night’s sleep. Discuss how good you feel when you take care of yourself — how these habits help you run, jump and play. Early Elementary (5-8 years old) • Talk to your kids about substance-related messages they see on TV or in movies or overhear at school. Ask your kids how they feel about these substances — you’ll learn a great deal about what they’re thinking.
Most 9-year-old kids like to play outside, make slime and try new games. But 9 is also the average age kids begin to think about alcohol. It’s at this age that kids’ impression of alcohol starts to shift from negative to positive, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, making it a critical time to begin conversations about substance use. While drugs like fentanyl grab headlines for their deadly potency, the reality is the three drugs most likely to be abused by kids in Oklahoma have remained consistent for many years. Alcohol is first on the list, followed by marijuana and tobacco . According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, 80 percent of teens say their parents are their biggest influence on their decision to drink. While it’s not always easy, talking with your kids about substance use could prevent them from facing serious consequences and, possibly, even save their lives. Substance prevalence among Oklahoma kids These mind-altering chemicals have been around for centuries, are widely used and are easily available to youth. On a broader scale, alcohol and marijuana are far more deadly than other drugs because of their contribution to youth car crashes, accidents and other unintentional deaths. The 2019-2020 Oklahoma Prevention Needs Assessment showed that of those responding to the survey, 60 percent of seniors, 47.4 percent of 10th graders, 33.3 percent of eighth graders and 20 percent of sixth graders had used alcohol.
Oklahoma kids who have …
USED ALCOHOL • 60% of high school seniors • 47.4% of high school sophomores • 33.3% of eighth graders • 20% of sixth graders TRIED MARIJUANA • 39.3% of high school seniors • 27.2% of high school sophomores • 13.4% of eighth graders • 4% of sixth graders
SMOKED A CIGARETTE AT LEAST ONCE • 28% of high school seniors • 20% of high school sophomores • 13.7% of eighth graders • 7% of sixth graders 2019-2020 Oklahoma Prevention Needs Assessment
14 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / SEPT-OCT 2022
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