| Like it or not, ADD can lead to numerous | | | | aggressive and angry are more likely to self |
| problems, but very few are as dangerous as | | | | medicate. |
| substance abuse. People who have ADD are | | | | Be a Role Model |
| usually more impulsive and lack some of the social | | | | It's very important to be a good role model. If |
| skills that many of us take for granted. Impulsivity | | | | your child sees you abusing drugs or alcohol, they |
| and a tendency to gravitate towards people who | | | | grow to believe that it's the right thing to do. |
| don't do well in school can lead to drug abuse, and | | | | Instead, show them that alcohol should be treated |
| parents who are raising children with ADD should | | | | with respect, and not abused. Never do illegal |
| be aware of the signs. | | | | drugs, and provide your child with a good role |
| Education Leads to Prevention | | | | model-which is you. |
| The best form of prevention is knowledge. If | | | | The Signs |
| your child has ADD or ADHD, you should begin to | | | | In many cases, someone who is abusing drugs |
| educate them about the harmful effects that | | | | can mimic many of the symptoms of someone |
| drugs can have on their mind and body. Keeping | | | | who has ADHD. For instance, erratic behaviour, |
| an open dialogue with your child is extremely | | | | mood swings and lack of focus are all potential |
| important. | | | | signs of ADD and ADHD, and also of drug abuse. |
| Besides the harmful effects that drugs can have, | | | | This is why it's sometimes more difficult to |
| you should also carefully explain the difference | | | | diagnose someone who has ADD or ADHD. |
| between prescription drugs and illegal drugs. | | | | However, parents usually know their children best. |
| Explain that by using illegal drugs, they not only | | | | If your child begins to display signs of drug abuse, |
| harm their bodies and minds, but they could go to | | | | it's important to follow up with a therapist or |
| jail. | | | | family doctor. Keep the lines of communication |
| If your child has ADD or ADHD, and you find | | | | between yourself and your child open, and always |
| them to be abnormally aggressive, you may want | | | | show them you care. Love is a powerful thing. |
| to consider family therapy sessions. It can't do | | | | Don't allow drugs to rip apart your family. |
| any harm, and it's a fact that people who are | | | | |