The Apple Doesn't Fall Far From The Tree

http://www.ncpc.org/topics/drug-abuse/alcohol-tobacco-and-other-drugs

Many people believe that a child's actions are directly influenced by what they see in the home. These influences are created by their parental figures. Just as a father can influence his son to play football, so too can he influence his child to experiment with drugs.

If a child grows up watching his father or mother smoke cigarettes their whole lives, they will assume its right. This is the same as if that cigarette was replaced with a blunt or crackpipe. Most parents don't realize the inpact this makes on the child because they are blinded by their own addictions. Growing up in an environment surrounded by drugs or alcohol lead to children that not only hurt themselves but also their society.

One drug that I have seen the effects of first hand is cocaine. I have a very close friend who grew up with a father who has an addiction to cocaine. His father's addiction took a very large toll on him. Seeing his father use cocaine daily, as a way to escape from stresses, led to his own addiction to cocaine. Now, this friend is in recovery from his addiction and is able to speak of what it was like. Though he doesn't blame his father for his own actions, he does admit that his father's drug use was a large contributor to his own.

According to the source I linked at the top of the page, one of the main reasons children do not begin to use drugs is because of their parents' positive influence and because they know it would disappoint them. The source goes on to give tips and advice on how parents help prevent their child's drug use. These tips include establishing and maintaining good communication with your children, getting involved in your children’s lives, and above all else, be a positive role model (http://www.ncpc.org/).