Drugs counselling booklet for parents launched.

The "Don’t Lose the Head" booklet has been produced by Crosscare, the social care agency of the Catholic archdiocese of Dublin.

According to experts from Crosscare’s Teen counselling and Drug & Alcohol Programme (DAP), parents and guardians must be confident in their ability to tackle drug and alcohol abuse. They say this guide will help them approach the situation sensibly.

The booklet answers a range of questions for parents, ranging from those who wish to prevent their children using drugs or alcohol to those parents who are already faced with problems of dependence or addiction.

It also gives parents and guardians approaches to parents when faced with concerns about drugs or alcohol abuse.

Fidelma Beirne of Teen Counselling said: “The important thing is for parents to preserve the relationship with the young person and to keep the lines of communication open as far as possible”.

Chris Murphy, director of DAP, added that it made sense to help parents "be confident and competent in their role in preventing drug abuse".

The booklet was launched by the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Cllr Eibhlín Byrne, at the Mansion House this morning.

The free publication is available from the DAP office (01 8360911) or info@dap.ie or from the North Dublin Regional Drug Task Force (101 8135580), info@ndublinrdtf.ie

Source: Jason Michael, Irish Times, 13/10/2008