Being a father is not easy; it takes sacrifice, which means playing an essential role in a child’s life by being there for them and loving them unconditionally.
Every father knows …
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Being a father is not easy; it takes sacrifice, which means playing an essential role in a child’s life by being there for them and loving them unconditionally.
Every father knows they need to provide abundant love and support. A father is always there for their children, offering guidance, support and education. The greatest joy for any father is seeing their children thrive, do well in life, and be healthy.
Yet things happen in life, and kids and teens experiment with risks while testing their limits and boundaries, such as trying drugs or alcohol. Fathers have a responsibility to speak to their kids about drugs and alcohol and help them understand the risks and consequences.
Drug education and prevention campaigns have helped many communities. According to National Drug Abuse Statistics in New York State, 8.31 percent of 12- to 17-year-olds surveyed reported using drugs in the previous month. Among them, 86 percent reported using marijuana in the last month, and 13 percent of 12- to 17-year-olds used marijuana in the prior year.
In Pennsylvania, 7.22 percent of 12- to 17-year-olds report using drugs in the last month. Of that figure, almost 85 percent reported using marijuana in the last month, and 11.92 percent used it in the last year.
Illegal drugs today are more readily available than ever before. According to the DEA, drug traffickers have turned smartphones into a one-stop shop to market, sell, buy and deliver deadly fake prescription pills and other drugs. Amid this ever-changing age of social media, the influence to use drugs or alcohol is strong.
Alcohol is often glorified, and legal recreational cannabis has become increasingly popular on social media channels. Unfortunately, kids and teens have access to devices early in life, with many having social media accounts.
Drug traffickers advertise on social media platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, Twitter, YouTube, and Facebook. The posts are promptly posted and removed with code words and emojis used to market and sell illicit drugs. Unfortunately, digital media provides an increased opportunity for both marketing and social transmission of risky products and behaviors.
Illegal counterfeit pills and other drugs are easily ordered online, paid for, and delivered without anyone knowing. According to the New York State Department of Health, opioid overdose deaths increased more than 360 percent between 2010 and 2021, with illicitly manufactured fentanyl involved in most of the deaths.
Fathers are responsible for protecting and preparing their children for the world. Drug education is essential. Take the time to speak to your kids about the dangers of illicit substances, how to avoid and manage peer pressure, and what to look for. Be prepared to share personal experiences and help them understand that some choices have consequences.
Teach them about online safety and how to protect themselves using social media. It’s easy to come across accounts selling illegal drugs. Anyone looking to buy sends a direct message or comments on a post.
Once the contact has been made, the sale moves to an encrypted app like Signal, Telegram or WhatsApp. Payment is made using Venmo, Zelle, Cash App and Remitly. In a digital age, fathers need to be aware of these things.
Along with bearing this responsibility, fathers must not neglect their well-being and mental health. Raising children can be a lot to deal with; there are many challenges along the way, and the pressure of being a good influence can get the best of us. We may second guess our choices and decisions and stress over the small things. Everything tends to build up inside with no outlet, and it all gets pushed down and never dealt with.
All of this makes it vital not to ignore our mental health; children, especially younger kids, mimic what they see. How we cope with frustration, anger, sadness, or isolation impacts our children in several ways.
Our actions have consequences. Children see how we handle every situation, and while no father is perfect, we must be conscious of the fact that they are impressionable when they are young. They look up to us, mimic our actions, and see when we are doing well in life mentally.
The key for fathers caring for children is to take the time to care for themselves. However, if you are struggling, contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Taking care of your mental health is the same as taking care of your physical health; it is an integral part of your well-being and contributes to you being the best father you can be.
Nickolaus Hayes is a health care professional in the field of substance use and addiction recovery and is part of the editorial team at DRS. His primary focus is spreading awareness by educating individuals on the topics surrounding substance use.
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