It has long been no secret that the use of tobacco products, alcoholic beverages and, worst of all, drugs in most cases begins in childhood or adolescence. It is at this age that the preconditions for the child's future development as a person are created, and the family plays a very important role in this development. However, at the stage of transition age, when the actions of a teenager can turn into misdemeanors, and sometimes into a crime, it is very important not to "miss the blunders" in the family upbringing. Unfortunately, parents do not always have information about their child's personality, and the relationship between adolescents and their parents is of fundamental importance. The use of alcohol, tobacco and drugs is one of the dangers that our children face during this period. The threat is very real, even if today you think: "My son, my daughter will not be affected by this...". Whether our child will start experimenting with psychoactive substances depends largely on ourselves. A child usually hides his first experiments with drugs in front of his parents. This can be seen in his behavior, if you have a close contact with him. However, we should not forget that changes in behavior can appear for various reasons: problems in school and family, heartbreak, problems with peers and many others. All of them are equally serious, and one should try to help the child deal with them. In order to prevent dangerous behavior and experiments with drugs, it is necessary to show tenderness and warmth towards the child, get to know his friends, because it is easier to avoid problems if you know with whom your child communicates. It is necessary to be interested in the problems of your child to talk to him as often as possible, do not be afraid to touch on difficult topics. Do not compare him with others and demand too much from him. It is very important to teach your child moral values from an early age, to tell him about your own life and family principles.

But still, if, despite your best efforts, your child starts using psychoactive substances and you notice significant changes in his or her behavior, such as sudden mood swings, jumps from unnatural liveliness to complete apathy and sleepiness. Very often too strong appetite or its complete absence, deterioration of academic performance, truancy, conflicts with teachers, lying and disappearance of valuable items from the house, then it's time to take urgent measures. Do not panic and do not try to have educational conversations when the child is under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Very often parents downplay the problem and expect it to resolve itself, thereby making it worse. You should not believe your child when he or she assures you that he or she is in control of the situation and that he or she does not need help. "Trust but verify" - try to monitor where your child is and what he or she is doing. Seek help from loved ones and professionals. Remember that substance use is a family problem, so you and your loved ones need help too.

In the context of delinquency, it can happen that the child does not use drugs himself, but sells them to earn money. Parents should be concerned if a child suddenly has money from unknown sources, new expensive things, or is doing strange things with friends. Drug-using teens' offenses are usually related to trying to get money. These include stealing, taking valuables out of the house, drug dealing, as well as fighting and prostitution.

Of course, there is no single recipe for preventing drug addiction and drug offenses, there are many good and numerous tips and recommendations, but one of the best defenses against drugs is a healthy and strong family. Parents need to support their children on the road to adulthood. Be attentive to your children. This will help you to keep your children out of trouble in time.

Firdavs Ruziev - Assistant of the department of public health and medical statistics with a course of the history of medicine

translated

Ruzimuhammad Ismoilov