NCJ Number
66808
Date Published
1977
Length
12 pages
Annotation
BECAUSE A STRONG LINK PROBABLY EXISTS BETWEEN DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE AND SEXUAL ANXIETY, THIS PAMPHLET PRESENTS A FEW GUIDELINES FOR PARENTS IN EDUCATING THEIR CHILDREN ABOUT SEXUAL MATTERS.
Abstract
SEX EDUCATION SHOULD START EARLY AND ENCOMPASS NOT ONLY THE PHYSIOLOGY OF INTERCOURSE AND REPRODUCTION, BUT THE EMOTIONAL FACTORS AS WELL, ESPECIALLY THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SEXUAL ATTRACTION AND GENUINE LOVE. WITHOUT THIS BACKGROUND YOUNG PEOPLE ARE A POOR MATCH FOR THE MOUNTING SEXUAL PRESSURES OF ADOLESCENCE. TWO CASE HISTORIES FROM FILES OF COUNSELORS WHO WORKED WITH ADOLESCENT DRUG ADDICTS SHOW THAT BOTH SEXUAL ENCOUNTERS AND THE LACK OF THEM CAN TRIGGER A FLIGHT INTO DRUG ABUSE AS AN ESCAPE FROM FEELINGS OF INADEQUACY, CONFUSION, OR BOREDOM. BECAUSE SEX IS OFTEN EXPERIENCED BY YOUNG PEOPLE AS MERELY A PHYSICAL ACT WITHOUT LOVE OR ANY LASTING EMOTION, BOTH BOYS AND GIRLS MAY TURN TO DRUGS TO PURSUIT OF INCREASINGLY HEIGHTENED SENSUAL SENSATIONS. THEY TURN TO DRUGS WITH THE BELIEF THAT THE CHEMICAL CAN ENHANCE THE SEX EXPERIENCE AND THUS PROVIDE NEW KICKS. TO FURNISH CHILDREN WITH A FIRM FOUNDATION FROM WHICH TO MAKE WISE DECISIONS ABOUT SEX, PARENTS SHOULD KEEP LINES OF COMMUNICATION OPEN, HELP THEIR CHILDREN DEVELOP A HEALTHY ATTITUDE TOWARD THEIR OWN BODIES, SHOW PATIENCE AND UNDERSTANDING, AND TALK SENSIBLY ABOUT SEX. (WJR)