Parents’ Role in Preventing Drug Abuse

According to studies conducted by Iran Drug Control Headquarters (IDCH), 55% of parents were unaware of their children’s drug abuse till 3 to 5 years after their first illegal drug experience, said Hamid Sarami, director general for research and training at IDCH. “Young students are less likely to get involved with drugs when caring parents are a part of their life. When parents talk to their children early and regularly about risks of substance abuse, children are less likely to try drugs,” Alef News Agency quoted him as saying. According to official figures, 58% of all addicts are under the age of 34 and 14% are between the ages 15-19.