Drugs and Alcohol

Parents and guardians play an important role in preventing drug and alcohol abuse. By educating children from a young age, we can prepare and empower them to make the right decisions. Some young people will experiment with or abuse alcohol and drugs. As a result of programs offered by our Community Services Unit, there has been a significant decline of substance abuse by young people in recent years. Despite this, roughly a quarter of youth report using cannabis and over two-thirds report drinking alcohol.

You may not be able to prevent your child from using drugs and alcohol. If this is the case, you may wish to educate your children on being responsible and safe if they are going to experiment with substances.

There is specific information on the effects and dangers of various substances on our youth drugs and alcohol page

Resources

Middlesex-London Community Drug and Alcohol Strategy

Share your thoughts. Learn. Help make a difference.

Our goal is to implement and evaluate a comprehensive drug and alcohol strategy to reduce problematic substance use and harm that reflects the needs of the entire community, through the use of a person centred, equity-focused approach based on the pillars of prevention, harm reduction, treatment and enforcement.

Partnership for Drug-Free Kids, 855-DRUGFREE (855-378-4373)
Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse
ConnexOntario, 1-866-531-2600
London Ontario Alcoholics Anonymous
T. (519-438-1122)
email London Ontario Alcoholics Anonymous

Talking to your child about drugs and alcohol

It is important to remain open when talking to your child about drugs and alcohol. It helps to try to understand that their point of view may be very different from yours. Some tips include:

Avoid lecturing your child; open discussions are more helpful
Be objective when discussing drugs and alcohol
- Explain the pros and cons
- Avoid exaggerating the dangers; your child may see through this and not trust your opinions
Listen; let your child talk and encourage them to ask questions and share their thoughts
Don't expect them to agree with everything you say

How to know if your child is using drugs or alcohol

There are signs and indicators that may lead you to suspect your child is using drugs. Watch for them and do not be afraid to ask. If you are uncertain, talk to a doctor to get more information.

General signs include:

Changes in mood or behaviour
Changes in friends
Changes in sleeping patterns
Physical signs like changes in weight or red or watery eyes
Keeping secrets regarding their friends and where they are going
A loss of interest in family, friends or hobbies
Paraphernalia (rolling papers, pipes, bongs, lighters, needles, etc.)

Different substances come with different signs of abuse. The Drug Guide for Parents produced by the Partnership for Drug-Free Kids provides a great deal of information on common substances and the associated signs and dangers.

Finally, take the time to look for signs around your house that drugs are being used. Search for things that may have been use to take drugs. Examples include dime bags, spoons with scorch marks, lighters, and syringe caps. Keep track of and count your own prescription medications.

We have provided you with a short list of signs or symptoms below:

Alcohol