Be a Good Role Model

Take Action! Preventing alcohol and other drug problems in your family

The things you say and do can have a strong influence on other members of your family. Children notice — and imitate — the way their parents, older brothers or sisters, and other relatives handle alcohol, tobacco and other drugs. That's why it's important to be a good role model. If you do use alcohol or prescription drugs, use them wisely.

Things You Can Do:

1. Think about the kind of example you set for your family. If you answer “yes” to any of the following questions, you may want to make a change!
   • Has your family ever seen you drunk?
   • Do you always drink when you celebrate something important?
   • Do you think it's cool or funny to get drunk?
   • Do you smoke cigarettes?
   • Do you smoke marijuana?
   • Do you drink alcohol every day?
   • Do you take sleeping pills often?
   • Do you ever drink and drive?
2. Drink in moderation: you're less likely to have problems with alcohol if you drink no more than one or two drinks a day. It's a good idea to avoid drinking at all, at least one day a week. Know when it's important not to drink.
3. When you drink or use drugs, don't drive — there's no guaranteed safe level.
4. Don't use alcohol with medications. The combination can be dangerous.
5. Avoid using alcohol or other drugs to cope with stress. It may become a habit that you can't control. Look for other ways to deal with stress that won't harm you or your family, such as talking with a friend, exercising, going for a walk or taking a warm bath.
6. Make sure you offer alcohol-free drinks when you host a party or have people over. If a person chooses not to drink, don't single them out.
7. Be sure to talk to your family about the risk of smoking — even if you smoke. Let them know how hard it is to quit. Don't ask children to buy cigarettes for you. If someone's smoking bothers you, it's OK to let them know.
8. Let your family know — by what you say and what you do — that using drugs is not glamorous or funny, no matter how it is shown in movies or on TV. The way you talk about and react to the misuse of alcohol and other drugs is important. It helps shape the attitudes, opinions and behavior of other family members.
9. Show your family, by example, that you don't have to use alcohol or other drugs to have a good time.
10. If you begin to notice problems because you're using alcohol or other drugs, it's time to cut back or stop. If you need help, get it. You may want to talk to a family member, a friend, a professional counsellor, your doctor or a trusted member of your spiritual or faith community.

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