The National Institute on Drug Abuse polling does show a decline in the number of adolescents that use illicit drugs over the past twenty years. This is encouraging. Drug prevention programs that emphasize quality, accurate information about drugs and alcohol, explore reasons why adolescents might try or use drugs and alcohol, highlight community factors in substance abuse, skills practice in self-efficacy and assertiveness, and encourage stress and anxiety reduction techniques all contribute to this decline.
Generally, adolescents that experiment with drugs or alcohol do so because of:
Quality substance abuse prevention programs can effectively reduce experimentation rates and substance abuse (Click here to preview my curriculum for middle school students). However, it is important that parents are ever vigilant about the signs and symptoms of abuse. While many parents believe there is little that they can do to prevent teen drug use, it remains the single strongest factor in prevention.
If a teen admits to taking drugs:Parents shouldn’t overreact if their teen comes clean about using drugs. Overreacting or lashing out can prevent a teen from opening up about their experience. Getting teens to talk is important to determine if their drug use was a one-time thing or if it’s becoming a problem.
Parents should explain how they care about their child and the child’s future. Teens who feel supported and loved are also more likely to stop experimenting with drugs or seek help if they have an addiction.
If a teen denies drug use:
Naturally, there is a possibility that teens may lie about their drug use. Parents should reassure their child that they are concerned and want to help.
If a teen continues denying using drugs but the parent still suspects untruthfulness, a home drug test or professional help can uncover a teen drug problem. Therapists, pediatricians and addiction specialists can help diagnose a teen drug problem.
Generally, adolescents that experiment with drugs or alcohol do so because of:
- Curiosity
- Peer pressure
- Stress and anxiety
- Emotional struggles
- Escapism
- Performance enhancement
- Thrill seeking
Quality substance abuse prevention programs can effectively reduce experimentation rates and substance abuse (Click here to preview my curriculum for middle school students). However, it is important that parents are ever vigilant about the signs and symptoms of abuse. While many parents believe there is little that they can do to prevent teen drug use, it remains the single strongest factor in prevention.
If a teen admits to taking drugs:Parents shouldn’t overreact if their teen comes clean about using drugs. Overreacting or lashing out can prevent a teen from opening up about their experience. Getting teens to talk is important to determine if their drug use was a one-time thing or if it’s becoming a problem.
Parents should explain how they care about their child and the child’s future. Teens who feel supported and loved are also more likely to stop experimenting with drugs or seek help if they have an addiction.
If a teen denies drug use:
Naturally, there is a possibility that teens may lie about their drug use. Parents should reassure their child that they are concerned and want to help.
If a teen continues denying using drugs but the parent still suspects untruthfulness, a home drug test or professional help can uncover a teen drug problem. Therapists, pediatricians and addiction specialists can help diagnose a teen drug problem.
