IT'S EVERY parent's nightmare - you suspect your children have been taking drugs and you want help to stop it - before it's too late.
Advice on potentially devastating family issues such as this is often sparing, but now, a Newburgh GP and Ellon teacher have teamed up to present a course to parents on "How to Drug Proof Your Kids."
Doctor Tricia Kiehlmann and Ellon Academy teach
er Elaine Adamson will kick start the first course at the Kirk Centre in Ellon on Wednesday, February 24 at 7.30pm. A previous successful discussion group, which now costs £15 for six weeks, was run seven years ago.
Elaine explained the weekly sessions are designed to inform parents about signs of drug use, but are also focused on giving confidence to parents who may want to confront their teenagers in a helpful way.
"It will give parents a chance to have an open discussion with us and other people in the group," she said. "They will each be able to relate to situations and share their own experiences as they find out they are not on their own. It really is a chance to come and find out more."
The discussion groups - which last for two hours - are described by the duo as "a proactive experience" and are interactive including DVDs and quizzes.
The course is backed by local groups such as Ellon Community Schools Network, Ellon Academy and Grampian Police.
Organisers say group discussions reinforces effective methods to prevent teenagers from falling prey to drugs. It provides information about the various types of commonly used drugs and associated paraphernalia.
A letter about the course was recently sent out to parents of all area P7 and 1st year pupils but Elaine explained any parent is welcome:
"It is open for anybody who wants to join us. We targeted the parents of a younger group with the intention of nipping problems in the bud before they arise and so that they have got the information at hand," she added.
Doctors are more likely to have first-hand knowledge of the effect drugs have on users, but also their extended families. Dr Kiehlmann is no exception - she has seen her fair share of the terrible toll drug taking can have on victims.
"I used to be a GP, so I've seen the end result of drug problems," she said. "I've also seen families go through difficult times, sometimes coming out fine and sometimes going deeper into problems. So I really wanted to be involved in something that was preventative, rather than picking up the pieces at the end."
Despite feeling a strong parental bond with your kids, it's vitally important to approach the subject from a positive standpoint - Don't be confrontational, the organisers insist.
"This course is about keeping channels of communication open regarding what is going on in their lives. It is very easy for parents to feel totally out of their depth when they approach their teenagers."
Six sessions are planned for the course - with Grampian Police Constable Ian Ivancic and Ellon School Liaison Constable Julie Ritchie on hand to answer questions at the fourth session, and show the group what some common drugs used by teenagers look like. Organisers say the constables will highlight common behaviour patterns by teenagers which may mean your child is taking drugs.
Everything that is discussed within the group is confidential and a one-to-one chat with Tricia and Elaine will be available if necessary.
One parent who has taken the course commented: "I now feel more knowledgeable about drugs and hopefully will be able to talk my children openly about them."
Meanwhile, both women's reasons for running the course are the same - a sense of giving something back to the community.
"We are excited about getting the opportunity to work with the community and help educate and assist them with any queries they have," said Elaine.
"I just want to help parents on the preventative side – to give something back to the community that we both feel really strongly about. Hopefully people will go away from the experience feeling equipped and having gained confidence in approaching their teenagers and situations that relate to drugs"
Each course runs for six weeks and will be held from 7.30-9.30pm. It costs £15 for six consecutive weeks and includes the workbook. (Some financial support may be available)
For bookings and further enquiries please contact via email – drtricia@doctors.org.uk , if you do not have access to an email please phone Jennifer at the Ellon Times in order to leave contact details that will then be passed on to Tricia and Elaine.
The following list includes the topics up for discussion : Session 1 – Drugs, Just how bad is it? • UK statistics on drugs • Drug use in the community • An introduction to the Drug Proof Plan, Session 2 – Why kids take drugs • Key factors leading to drug and alcohol misuse • Understanding the different stages of drug use • Getting to know your child better. Session 3 – How to educate kids to make good choices • A parent's action plan • Understanding drugs and their effects • Encouraging responsible behaviour. Session 4 – Prevention tools for parents • Communicating with children about drugs • Identifying drug misuse • Positive parenting. Session 5 – Learning to intervene and where to get help. • The intervention process • Responding to peer pressure • When does a parent need professional help. Session 6 – A parent's guide to handling relapses • Creating a supportive home • Relapse threats and indicators • Surviving relapse as a parent.
Dates and Venues for 2010; Wed: Feb 24 – March 31 – Ellon Kirk Centre, Mon: May 10 – June 14 – Foveran Church Hall, Newburgh Main Street, Tues: Aug 31 – Oct 5 – Ellon Academy
