The teenage stage is one of the most difficult stages in life. Since the individual goes through so many changes at once, it is physically and emotionally possible for the person to acquire habits that are rude or to be considered a shame for the society. For most people at this age, they have everything for the first time:beer, fights, sex, etc. The problem arises when this curiosity goes a little higher and the individual tastes narcotics. Drug addiction among adolescents has been a threat for many years. On their part, responsible government agencies are trying to create forums that tackle the situation before it gets out of hand. However, understanding the root causes will help to ensure that the situation does not deteriorate.
Drug abuse among adolescents is not caused by a major factor. Instead, there are several factors that can lead teens to this vice. One of the most important factors is the lack of close supervision by the parent or guardian. Some parents assume that giving teenager freedom to act like an adult will help him or her to behave like an adult. On the contrary, a teenager is still growing mentally and he needs to be supervised when making decisions such as where he spends most of the time, his choice of friends and entertainment. Too much freedom will give way to experimentation without considering the side effects. If a teenager decides to stay in areas where peddlers are common, it can be difficult to avoid the desire when the idea of taking part in vice gets into the minds of teenagers.
In addition, teens can also fall into teenage drug abuse if the rules are unclear. If the parent or agency indicates that the teenager should not smoke, does this mean that he or she can do so out of principle or should the teenager never smoke wheather he / she is in the premises or not? Conversely, the teenager can accept this habit as a form of rebellion if the rules are too strict. The teenager will try to express his dislike of the rules by taking an activity that is obviously not accepted.
It is also possible to find young people who have become accustomed to escaping conflict in the family. This is the case for families who are subject to separation or divorce. This can also happen after the divorce and the children stay with a parent. The teenager will take to alcohol or other substances to forget, even if it’s only for a few minutes or hours. In summary, a teenager may be influenced by the habits he or she sees with the parent. If the parent is a drinker, the teenager may consider this a good thing and may want to emulate what the parent does.
Teens and Addiction
Teenagers and drug use are not unrelated. Not all teenagers use drugs, but this is a common problem in this age group. There are several risk factors for addicted and alcoholic adolescents, including:
- Poor academic performance
- Lack of parental involvement
- Misunderstanding of the risks associated with drug use
- High tolerance to drugs and smoking in the community
- Low self esteem
- Victims of abuse at home or at school
- Loose rules and incoherent punishment at school
Teenagers have an underdeveloped sense of their own mortality. They are not against the risks because they do not take the risks and consequences as seriously as they should. Their lack of experience makes them ignore the real dangers of risky behavior.
Some teenagers have not only a dangerous stage of development, but also an addictive personality. These people are more dependent on substances. Take this addictive personality test to see if you have an addictive personality. If you do, there is also a greater chance for that your child does too.
How to prevent teenage drug abuse
To reduce the risk of teen addiction, here’s how parents can help teens prevent or reduce teenage drug abuse:
- Model the behavior you seek.
Be a positive model yourself. Walk the conversation. Do not expect teens to stop drinking or stay away from drugs if you do not.
- Solve personal or family problems.
Look for family counseling or family psychotherapy related to substance abuse, violence, divorce or illness in your family. Get the help you need to make sure your family unit (and your teenager) is in good mental health.
- Know what’s going on.
Take part in your teen’s life. Know who their friends are, what they do and where they are. Encourage their independence, but set appropriate limits such as curfews and check-in hours. Holding young people accountable with consequences for crossing beyond limits.
- Know the law.
Look for your state’s laws regarding underage alcohol and drug use. So sit down with your teen and review the legal consequences of getting caught.
- Learn about addiction.
Know the warning signs of teen drinking or drug problem (and the factors that increase the risk, such as depression, family history of addiction or social transitions) and have a plan to ask for help when your family needs it.
- Look outside the family for mentoring help.
Encourage your teenager to look for a positive mentor outside of the family who will reinforces your family’s beliefs and values. Your teen can formally request a mentor through religious or spiritual groups or informally through sports teams or school activities. Then check with your teen’s mentor for a different perspective on his life.
Other perspectives on ways to prevent drug abuse among youth:
- Talk to your child often about drugs
- Allow access to positive models
- Encourage your child to be active in a faith-based organization
- Develop a strong bond with your teenager
- Promote the belief that drugs are dangerous