Raise kids well to avoid substance abuse issues

Drug and alcohol problems will continue to affect all aspects of society and require tax dollars for law enforcement, treatment facilities and growing prison populations if the root of the destructive causes for substance abuse are not met head-on.

If a person is subjected to a substance-abuse evaluation, the addiction likely has taken hold. Prevention must begin at a young age. Substance abuse is a family disease, and many children are taught drugs and alcohol are bad but may see their parents using at home, confusing the impressionable child.

Every child needs to feel loved and cared for. When those needs aren't met, the child looks outside themselves for love and acceptance.

Children need outlets, such as the Boys and Girls Club, Big Brothers Big Sisters, church, sports and the Zach Johnson Foundation to learn they don't need to seek substances to fill the void in life.

Communication between children and parents is key. Listen to your kids, agree to disagree on certain topics and love and nurture your child so they are able to grow into adulthood without the need to seek a false sense of pleasure though destructive substances.

Erika Olson

Cedar Rapids