If there is anything that has taken over the younger population in most countries is drug and alcohol abuse. Most youths find themselves using these drugs at very tender ages and it becomes very hard to stop once they have ensnared themselves. It is necessary that something is done so that we don’t lose the most productive group of our country. The following are tips to prevent drug and alcohol use
The community plays a major role in helping the prevention of alcohol and drug use. Some of the things that the community can do include
People should be informed about the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse and addiction issues. Some people begin using drugs without really thinking about what harm will befall them once they become addicted. They start using and abusing the drugs due to peer influence which is common among the youths. When information is available about the dangers, then it will help in discouraging some from drug and alcohol abuse. This information can be provided in churches, government meetings and any other places where people meet so that everyone is aware of the dangers.
Other people begin to use drugs after they have seen the adverts on media. The media should have a guideline as to when such adverts can be aired so that the children and young adults don’t get enticed to try alcohol use.
Formation of policies and laws
The community should work together with the local authorities. They should come together to formulate policies and laws that will help prevent the use and abuse of alcohol and other drugs. These policies should then be discussed with the community for approval so that everyone knows what happens to them if they choose to buy or sell drugs.
Schools are also involved in the prevention of abuse drugs and alcohol.
The school curriculum should include drug abuse as part of the syllabus so that the students are educated on the dangers and consequences of the use of drugs. They can also organize support groups to those already affected so that they can discourage others from the use of drugs.
Put strict measures
The school can also come up with strict measures against the use of drugs and alcohol while on the school campus.
Family plays a major role as well since some start using alcohol and drugs because their parents were using them while they watched. The family can do the following
Avoid using drugs in the presence of children
Parents could be social drinkers and may know how to control their use of alcohol. However, the problem comes when children watch as their parents take alcohol and drugs or parents take them in the presence of their children. It will be difficult to tell this child not to take alcohol since they have seen their parents take them.
Don’t be involved in the supply
Some parents may buy alcohol or drugs for their children. Since they are underage, they may not get access to such but parents or older family members may get these drugs on their behalf. The family should be discouraged from such so that the younger family members do not become exposed to these habits.