The best way to prevent your child from becoming addicted is to educate yourself about the signs and symptoms of both alcohol and drug abuse and take action as soon as you suspect that your child may be using. Most importantly, develop healthy communication with your child so that you can better recognize any changes that may occur with substance use. Your child will be more likely to seek you out if he or she has a problem if open communication has been established.
A great link for all this information can be found at the Parents Resource Center, sponsored by the Partnership for a Drug Free America at the website or Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Power of Parents website.
Professional Help
If you should need some support you can contact a professional. Please refer to the Office of Alcoholism and Sustance Abuse Services (OASAS) website for a listing of certified programs/professionals or call OASAS Addiction Services helpline 1-877-8-HOPE-NY or Nassau County Department of Drug and Alcohol 24-hour hotline Number 516-481-4000.
Further Information
For further information, visit our Family and Community pages to find family support groups, tools for parents, and more.