In a workshop series called “Guiding Good Choices” being offered in Akron, parents will learn how to strengthen their bonds with their children and reduce the risk that their children will use drugs. The five-week program is being offered by the Akron Elementary Parent Support Group from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. March 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30, at the Akron Church of God.

“Guiding Good Choices” is an interactive program for all parents, grandparents or guardians. In a lively and open atmosphere, parents will learn specific strategies to help their children avoid drug use and other adolescent problem behaviors,
and develop into healthy adults. Parents will learn to set clear family guidelines
on drugs, as well as learn and practice skills to strengthen family bonds, help
their children develop healthy behaviors, and increase children’s involvement
in the family.

The “Guiding Good Choices” program was developed by Dr. J. David Hawkins and Dr. Richard F. Catalano of the University of Washington. Their research has shown that when children are bonded to their parents, school and non-drug-using peers, they are less likely to get involved in drug use or other behavior problems.

Studies of “Guiding Good Choices” have shown the program is effective in strengthening parent-child bonds and preventing teenagers from starting to use alcohol and other drugs.

An alarming number of teenagers today will use alcohol or marijuana before leaving high school. According to surveys conducted for the National Institute on Drug Abuse, in 2009, more than 43 percent of the high school seniors surveyed had used alcohol in the past month, and more than 20 percent had used marijuana in the past month.

According to surveys conducted by the Indiana Prevention Resource Center, in 2014, more than 33 percent of the Indiana high school seniors surveyed had used alcohol in the past month, and more than 17 percent had used marijuana in the past month. Although better than national rates in 2009, these rates are still concerning. For more information, see page 147 at: http://www.drugs.indiana.edu/publications/survey/indianaSurvey_2014.pdf

Workshop activities are based on Hawkins’ and Catalano’s Social Development Strategy, a theory of human behavior that identifies the factors that promote social bonding and positive behavior. In a review of research conducted over the past 30 years, Hawkins and Catalano have also identified twenty factors that increase the risk of teenage drug use, as well as delinquency, teen pregnancy, dropping out of school and violence.

The series is sponsored by Connecting Fulton County, the Akron Elementary Parent Support Group and the Akron Church of God. There is no cost to parents attending the workshops. Those completing all five sessions will receive a $25 gift card. Child care and meals will be provided if pre-registered to attend.

For more information, call Deb Miller at (574) 893-4646 ext. 519 or visit www.connectingfultoncounty.org.