Here are some helpful tips for how to help prevent drug use:

• Take their ideas, emotions, and feelings seriously. Don’t belittle them by telling them they will grow out of it, or that what they're going through is not as bad as it seems. Listen to them, and try to help them resolve the difficulty. Even if you can’t fix it, you can make it seem better by offering your sympathy and concern.
• Be available and active in their everyday lives.
• Learn about the kinds of drugs young people abuse and discuss them with your child. This will enable you to have discussions with your child about the false information they might be getting from the drug culture.
• Surf the internet and visit the pages your child visits. If any of them have false drug information, make sure you take the time to correct the information with your child.
• Encourage your child to be involved with many different activities, including sports, church, volunteer activities, and clubs. The busier your child is, the less time they have to get in trouble and the less they will want to get in trouble.
• Set limits and tell your child you do not want them to experiment with drugs. Have reasonable expectations, and help them achieve success.
• Reward your child for good behavior and performance.

For More Information

If you have any questions, please contact the Aberdeen Police Department at 605-626-7000, or visit the D.A.R.E. national website.