Drug and substance abuse has become a worrying scourge among the youth in Botswana, and for parents, the thought of dealing with a child’s possible addiction is one of the worst fears they have.

Statistics generated by Botswana Police Service (BPS) indicates that 1, 232 cases of drugs were recorded in the year 2023 and 1, 784 people of which 116 amongst them were those aged 10 to 19 years, whilst the 2023 World Drug Report released in June 2024, indicates that the number of people who used drugs in the world in the year 2021 stood at 296 million people, a whooping increase of 23% over the last 10 years.

So what can parents in Botswana do to help curb the problem – and avoid their children falling into the drug trap?

1. Build Strong, Open Communication

  • Encourage your child to talk openly with you about their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. This helps build trust and ensures they feel comfortable seeking advice when faced with difficult situations.
  • Listen actively, without judgment, and offer support rather than criticism when discussing their concerns.

2. Be a Positive Role Model

  • Model healthy behaviors by avoiding drug or alcohol use yourself. Children often mimic the actions of their parents, so demonstrating self-control and making responsible choices can strongly influence them.
  • Demonstrate positive coping mechanisms for stress, anxiety, and other challenges, such as exercising, journaling, or engaging in creative activities.

3. Establish Clear Rules and Boundaries

  • Set firm, consistent rules regarding drug use and explain the reasoning behind them. Children need to understand why drugs are harmful, not just that they are prohibited.
  • Encourage healthy activities and hobbies, such as sports, music, or art, to offer constructive outlets for energy and stress.

4. Foster a Supportive Family Environment

  • Spend quality time together as a family and create a sense of belonging. Feeling connected and valued in the family unit can reduce the likelihood of seeking acceptance elsewhere, including in drug use.
  • Address family issues, such as conflict or neglect, which may increase the risk of turning to drugs.

5. Teach Decision-Making and Refusal Skills

  • Help your child develop skills for resisting peer pressure by practicing scenarios where they might be offered drugs. Teach them to say no confidently and walk away from situations that may lead to drug use.
  • Encourage independent thinking and decision-making, helping them weigh the consequences of their actions.

6. Monitor Peer Relationships

  • Be involved in your child’s social life and get to know their friends. Peer influence can be significant, so understanding who they are spending time with can give you insight into their environment.
  • Encourage friendships with positive role models and expose them to diverse social groups that share healthy interests and values.

7. Promote Healthy Coping Strategies

  • Help your child deal with emotional challenges in a healthy way. Teach them techniques for managing stress, anxiety, and peer pressure, such as mindfulness, deep breathing, or engaging in physical activities.
  • Let them know it’s okay to ask for help when they’re feeling overwhelmed or confused.

8. Educate About the Risks of Drugs

  • Start age-appropriate conversations about the dangers of drug use early on. Provide factual information about how drugs can affect the body and brain, and explain the potential consequences of addiction.
  • Help your child understand that using substances to cope with problems is never a solution, and that they have the power to choose healthier alternatives.

9. Stay Involved in Their Education

  • Stay actively engaged in their academic and extracurricular activities. When children feel valued and successful in school, they are less likely to resort to drugs to cope with feelings of inadequacy or boredom.
  • Encourage a growth mindset, focusing on their strengths and providing constructive feedback to build self-esteem.

10. Be Proactive and Stay Informed

  • Educate yourself about the signs of drug use and stay informed about trends in substance abuse. Being aware of what to look for can help you identify potential problems early.
  • Don’t hesitate to seek help from professionals if you suspect your child is struggling with substance use. Early intervention is key to preventing more serious issues.

By taking these steps, you can create a supportive and nurturing environment that reduces the risk of drug addiction, promotes resilience, and strengthens your child’s ability to make healthy choices.

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