Don't worry that they never listen to you,
Worry that they are always watching you.
- Robert Fulgham

FAMILY MEALS: FAMILY MATTERS
How Parents Can Help Prevent Youth Substance Abuse

Recent surveys by the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University (CASA) show that for many children parents are the single most important factor in the decision not to drink alcohol, smoke cigarettes or marijuana. In fact, 42% of teens who don't use marijuana credit their parents over any other influence.

One simple strategy to help prevent substance abuse in youth is dining together as a family. The more often a child eats dinner with his or her family, the less likely that child is to smoke, drink alcohol or use other drugs.

Research by the National Center on addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University (CASA) also shows that family mealtimes are linked to less early sexual activity, fewer school suspensions and incidents of fighting.

Frequent dining with family correlates with good academic performance in school and with healthy eating habits. These patterns hold true regardless of gender, family structure or socio economic level.

BRiDGES has several programs to help parents deal with youth substance abuse.

Strengthening Families is a six-week group for that helps families build on strengths and prepare for the teen years. Designed for parents and youth age 10-14, in Strengthening Families parents add to their "parenting toolbox", and teens gain a greater respect for themselves and their parent/caregivers.

Confidential information and referral sessions can guide parents who are concerned that their teen may be involved in harmful substance use.

In addition, an informational seminar geared toward parents titled Current Trends in Substance Abuse is available for parent groups in schools and the community. Call the BR i DGES office at 697-3947 or
1-866-443-5747 for more information about any of the above parent programs.