Youth Substance Abuse: What you can do as parents

Youth substance abuse continues to be a nationwide issue and it’s a problem that has serious consequences. Studies have shown that approximately 90% of substance addictions start when the person is under 18 years of age which is also when substance abuse could have its biggest effect on a person’s development. While parents can’t control all their children’s decisions, Kelsey Merkens of Norman-Mahnomen Public Health says there are things they can do to nudge their kids in the right direction. 

Merkens says having better communication between parents and children as well as their child’s friends and parents are also important, and can help. 

Lastly Merkens says doing something as simple as making the family rules clear can go a long way. 

For the full conversation with Kelsey Merkens tune into the Access Health program on Saturday at 8:00 AM on 106.5 KRJB.