Parents urged to model substance-free lifestyle

To prevent substance abuse among children and family members, members of the elder generation need to be free from it and practice good living themselves, said a guidance center official yesterday.

“Parents, if we model what we want of our children, they follow through with that,” said Community Guidance Center executive director Josephine T. Sablan in Thursday’s signing of Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Awareness Month at the Governor’s Office.

She said that while some things are beyond control, individual families have strong influence over their family members, stressing that parents play a big role of what will become of their children.

“The most perfect mirrors in the world are not made of glass. They are our children. If you look at them, you’re looking at yourselves,” she said, noting that while children may not hear everything their parents say, they would definitely see what they do.

“Please be a model for them to make some changes, to make a difference,” she said.

She said drugs, alcohol, and gambling abuses happen due to lack of information and guidance from the family.

During Thursday’s ceremony, Gov. Juan N. Babauta signed a proclamation declaring September 2005 as Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Awareness Month.

He said that substance abuse is a serious health issue in the CNMI, affecting many lives.

“It’s never too soon or late to begin sending education and awareness to our community, most specially to our children. …Any individual’s decision not to use ‘mind-and mood-altering’ substances creates health benefits that last a lifetime,” he said.

He said that substance abuse of legal and illegal drugs costs the community in lost productivity, crime, preventable health care costs, and social and family disruptions.

He said community members can prevent the negative impacts of alcohol, tobacco, smoking, betel nut chewing, and drugs.

In his remarks, Babauta told his audience that he is a big fan of physical fitness and health living.

“I want to let you know that your governor is drug-free, alcohol-free. And I’ve never smoked marijuana. What I do is run,” he said, smiling.

The ceremony was attended mostly by officials and staff from the Department of Public Health, Department of Public Safety, and other guests. (Liberty Dones)