NIDA launches new tool for parents: Family Checkup: Positive Parenting Prevents Drug Abuse

As part of of National Substance Abuse Prevention Month, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) has launched Family Checkup: Positive Parenting Prevents Drug Abuse, an online resource that equips parents with research-based skills to help keep their children drug-free. The research results from NIDA highlight the essential role parents play in teaching their families about the consequences of the use and abuse of substances including tobacco, alcohol, marijuana, and prescription drugs.

Family Checkup, hosted on NIDA’s website (http://www.drugabuse.gov/family-checkup), poses questions for parents to consider as they interact with their children; highlighting parenting skills that are important in preventing the initiation and progression of drug use among youth. The resource incorporates video examples that show parents how-to and how-not-to emulate each of five skills beginning with communication, then encouragement, negotiation, setting limits, and supervision with their own children. Each question, developed by the Child and Family Center at the University of Oregon, presents the skill by first explaining its importance. The information is also available for download as a PDF.

This type of early intervention does a great deal to mitigate the potential for substance abuse and addiction among teens and young adults. By providing accurate information about the risks of substance abuse and addiction, and through practicing positive communication skills, parents can help prevent drug use during the critical teenage years.

If you are interested in a walk-through of the site please plan to attend Parent-Teacher Conferences at the Van Buren Community High School on Monday, November 5, 2012 or Tuesday, November 6, 2012 from 4:30 -8:00 pm. The SAFE Coalition will have computers to show you how to access the site and it’s features.

For more information, you can contact the SAFE Coalition at 319-293-6412 or by email at info@vbsafecoalition.com or the NIDA press office at media@nida.nih.gov or 301-443-6245.