Preventive steps
1. Spend quality time with your child

• To be able to influence your child, you have to interact with him or her personally.
• Listen to your child: pay attention, don’t interrupt, wait until your child has finished and then share your views.
• Respect your child’s feelings.
• Keep your child busy (sport, hobbies, music), but do not pressure them to always win.

2. Set a good example

• Your child uses you as a role model: if you abuse drugs and alcohol, they may imitate you.
• Children want structure in their lives: they behave more responsibly when parents set the limits and are fair.

3. Relate to your child’s friends

• Do not belittle your child – especially in front of peers.
• Get to know who your child’s friends and their families are.
• Invite your child’s friends over to your house and get to know them.
• now where your children are and who they’re with.

4. Build refusal skills and teach your child these skills. Some ideas for your children:

• Say: “I decide – No thanks, I’m fine without drugs!”
• Leave the scene.
• Change the subject.
• Suggest an alternative activity.
• Give a reason why it’s a bad idea to use drugs.

If the worst happens…

If unfortunately your child is taking drugs, where can you take her/him for treatment and rehabilitation?

There are also a number of de–addiction centres run by NGOs. There are also a number of private doctors and clinics, which offer de–addiction services. Consult your family doctor first. She or he will be able to give you the most practical suggestion.

See our “Where to find help” section.