Drug Abuse and Your Teen

Adolescence is a time of many changes, the most important being a shift away from direct parental control. Ideally, the result is a competent, successful young adult, but the journey can be frightening for both parent and child.

Peers become very important in the world of the adolescent. However, parents´ influence are still critical, even though the teen may appear to reject it. Though issues like drugs, alcohol, tobacco and sex become extremely important to teens, there are many ways you, as parents, can remain involved.

Most parents are generally aware of the problems related to drug and alcohol use. This article will outline matters related to young people and drugs, including alcohol. The more you know, the better equipped you will be to handle what you may encounter.

Teens use drugs for a variety of reasons. They may want to feel that they fit in with their peers and often see drug use as the norm, not realizing there are many kids who refuse drugs. They may want to rebel. Many are just curious. Media images of drug use are unrealistic and do not accurately portray the consequences. Teens may use drugs to avoid dealing with problems or because they feel that drugs are an easy way to have fun. Parents must constantly be aware of these pressures and talk to their children about drugs.

There are different stages of drug use. Initially, kids experiment with drugs but are able to limit their use. Peer pressure is exceptionally important here, and most parents are usually unaware that their child is trying drugs. After repeated use, tolerance to the drug can develop. That is, more and more of the drug is needed to get the same effect. This leads to a worsening of the problem as the child uses drugs more heavily, and actively seeks the drug. Recognizable signs usually occur in this stage, and school performance may slip. Preoccupation and dependency may follow as the teen can no longer control his use and feels he cannot function without drugs. Use is daily and - because drugs are expensive - the teen resorts to stealing.

Which child will progress to more serious drug use depends in part on the child and in part on the drug itself. Cocaine, for example, is more addictive than marijuana.

All drugs impair reasoning, memory and reaction time and can lead to risk-taking behavior. Use of one drug can lead to use of another.

A few signs that your child may be using drugs include:

  • Withdrawal from the family
  • Change in peer group
  • Drop in grades
  • Skipping school
  • Giving up usual interests or hobbies
  • Memory problems
  • Dramatic decrease in motivation
  • Pro-drug messages on clothing, etc.
  • Dramatic changes in sleep, appetite, or hygiene
  • Delinquent behavior

You can help your child by:

  • Setting a good example. You are your child´s best role model.
  • Clearly let your child know what you feel is right and wrong.
  • Talk to your child about drugs on a regular basis. Discuss the matter; do not lecture!
  • Be armed with facts.
  • Give your child tools to handle peer pressure and practice these scenarios with him:
    • Saying "no"
    • Changing the subject
    • Walking away
    • Giving the "cold shoulder"
    • Repeatedly refusing the drug
    • Avoiding places or situations where drugs are
    • Making up an excuse (i.e., tried but don’t like drugs)
    • Going places with peers who refuse drugs (Strength in numbers)
  • Help your child deal with emotions. Teens have intense ups and downs, and generally change moods often. If your teen is mostly down, talk to your doctor to rule out depression.
  • Encourage and support positive activities; minimize boredom; recognize effort as well as success; avoid over-criticizing.

If you suspect your child has been experimenting with drugs, have a calm discussion with him. If you are uncomfortable doing this, or if you suspect serious drug use, get help now. The sooner drug use is treated, the better the outcome.

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