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Your To-Do List: Prevent Teen Cough Medicine Abuse

There's no doubt about it: teen substance abuse is a huge concern for parents. Preventing drug abuse involves a long-term effort. Where cough medicine abuse is concerned, there are a number of steps to take to help keep your teen from abusing:

1. Communicate the dangers of abuse to your pre-teens/teens. If you already talk to your kids about drug abuse, include cough medicine abuse in those conversations. If you are not talking to your kids about drug abuse, now is a perfect time to start.
2. Safeguard your medicine cabinet and know exactly what medicines you have and how much medicine is in each bottle or package. Monitor your teens' Internet use and learn about who your teens interact with in social media sites.
3. Share what you know about teen cough medicine abuse with other families and parents.
4. Seek the help of a professional, such as your teen's school nurse, if you see signs of abuse.

Parents DO Have the Power to Keep Their Teens Drug-Free
Just remember that as a parent you are the most powerful voice in your teen's life, especially concerning attitudes towards substance abuse. Research shows that kids who learn a lot about the risks of drugs from their parents are 50% less likely to use drugs.

 

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