PARENTS PLAY VITAL ROLE IN PREVENTING CHILD'S DRUG USE

What do boredom, stress and money have in common for American teenagers?
They all play a significant role in leading them to substance abuse.

More than half of the nation's 12- to 17-year-olds are at greater risk of
substance abuse because of high stress, frequent boredom, too much spending
money or some combination of these characteristics, according to a Columbia
University survey released last week.

Those with $25 or more a week in spending money are nearly twice as likely
as those with less to smoke, drink and use illegal drugs, and more than
twice as likely to get drunk, said the study by the university's National
Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse.

High stress also can take its toll, as teens suffering from stress are twice
as likely to smoke, drink, get drunk and use illegal drugs.

We agree with Joseph Califano Jr., the center's president, who called this
survey "an alarm call to parents."

"You should be aware of what your kids are doing, know your child and don't
underestimate your power over your children," he said.

To curb drug and alcohol abuse parents and other adults should pay closer
attention to how their children feel, what they are doing, where they are
going and, most importantly, who they are spending their time with.

Studies confirm the value of parents talking with their children, beginning
with reading to them when they are babies and infants, and talking with them
about issues that confront them in everyday life.

Studies also have indicated that teenagers who learn about the risks of drug
and alcohol abuse from their parents are up to 50 percent less likely to try
drugs than are those who learn nothing at home.

Parents need to understand they can have a more significant impact upon
their children's lives if conversations about difficult subjects occur early
and often.