In their minds, they see drug use as a part of the normal teenage experience. For example, some teens abuse prescription medicine to manage stress or regulate their lives. Others are abusing prescription pain relievers and tranquilizers to cope with academic, social or emotional stress. Not only do alcohol and marijuana give them something to do, but those substances help fill the internal void they feel.
Further, they provide a common ground for interacting with like-minded teens, a way to instantly bond with a group of kids. Different rebellious teens choose different substances to use based on their personalities.
Alcohol is the drug of choice for the angry teenager because it frees them to behave aggressively. Some teens abuse prescription medicine to party and get high.
Hallucinogens ex. It craves it. To feel better : There is the desire to feel good and there is the need to feel better. These are two very distinct entities when evaluating teen drug use. They are battling something deeper than peer pressure or a failed homework assignment. Some adolescents are suffering from deep-seated conditions like depression, social anxiety, and stress-related disorders.
They use drugs to forget or replace their negative feelings with substance-induced pleasure. Experimentation : The brain does not finish developing until the age of The last part of the brain to develop is the one that controls rational decision making, self-control, and judgment, making adolescents more prone to trying risky and daring activities. Drugs and alcohol are often easy, accessible outlets for experimentation that can severely impact the developing teenage brain.
Competition : The need to perform, to impress, and to make proud is a great pressure for adolescents and young adults. Whether in school or on the field, young people consistently want to prove they are the best to their peers and parents.
The competition to be outstanding, however, can be intense. Attention : Teens often experience a lack of purpose or talent. They feel like they are not good enough to shine or are lacking something to make them special. Allow your child to practise responsibility and develop good decision-making skills from an early age. Keep yourself informed about drugs and educate your child on the dangers of drug use. Do not exaggerate or make information up.
Have open and honest discussions about drugs. If you suspect your child is taking drugs There are no specific signs or behaviours that can tell you a young person is definitely using drugs. Research drugs so that you have the facts. Raise your concerns calmly with your child when you both feel relaxed.
Try to educate your child on the health and lifestyle risks. You may have to accept that an older teenager will not stop taking their drug, no matter what you want. Give feedback about this page.
Was this page helpful? Yes No. View all young people Related information. Support groups Family Drug Help. Chemical-soaked rags or papers, which may mean that your teen is inhaling vapors. Other signs of this are paint or other stains on your teen's clothing, hands, or face. What should you do if you find out that your teen is using alcohol, tobacco, or drugs? Can teen substance use be prevented?
To help prevent substance use: Talk to your child early about what you expect in his or her behavior toward alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. If your teen thinks that you will allow substance use, he or she is more likely to try drugs or alcohol.
Keep your teen busy with meaningful activities, such as sports, church programs, or other groups. Expect your teen to follow the household rules. Set reasonable consequences for behavior that needs to change, and consistently carry out the consequences.
Keep talking with your teen. Praise your teen for even the little things he or she does well. Know your child's friends. Having friends who avoid cigarettes, alcohol, and drugs may be your teen's best protection from substance use. Health Tools Health Tools help you make wise health decisions or take action to improve your health. Actionsets are designed to help people take an active role in managing a health condition.
Facts About Teen Drug and Alcohol Use How substance use affects teens' health Substance use can lead to long-term social and health problems, injury, and even death. Tobacco Nicotine is only one of the thousands of chemicals in tobacco, but it is the major component that acts on the brain.
Alcohol Alcohol affects all organs of the body but has its most serious effects on the liver. Marijuana Marijuana can hinder memory, problem-solving, and learning. Cocaine Cocaine can cause abnormal heartbeats , sometimes causing a deadly heart attack, seizure, or stroke.
Other substances Other substances teens use include: Inhalants glues, aerosol sprays, gasoline, paints, and paint thinners. These are some of the substances most frequently misused by junior high students, because they don't cost much and are easy to get.
They contain poisons that can cause brain damage or, in rare cases, even death with the first use. The number of teens using these drugs is small compared with those using cigarettes, alcohol, and marijuana. But these club drugs can be dangerous, especially in overdose or when combined with alcohol or other drugs. Methamphetamine commonly called meth, crank, or speed. Methamphetamine can cause seizures; stroke; serious mental problems, including paranoia, hallucinations, and delusions; and long-term health problems.
Serious and lasting problems such as psychosis or hallucinogenic flashbacks can occur after a teen uses LSD. Opioids , such as codeine, heroin , and morphine. Teens who use these drugs may steal, prostitute themselves, or resort to other dangerous or illegal behavior to buy drugs. Prescription drugs , such as diazepam for example, Valium , hydrocodone and acetaminophen Norco , and oxycodone OxyContin. Teens also use nonprescription medicines, such as cough syrups and cold pills. Anabolic steroids , which teens use to build muscle tissue and decrease body fat.
Steroids can cause liver cancer and increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. Why Some Teens Use Alcohol and Drugs Personal, family, and community factors increase a teen's risk for using substances and possibly developing a problem. Personal risk factors These include: Genetics. People with substance use disorder often have a family history of substance use. Temperament and personality. Rebelliousness, resisting authority, feelings of failure, and not having close relationships may lead a teen to use substances.
Certain health problems. Teens who have untreated attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ADHD , conduct disorder , depression or long-term depressed feelings dysthymia , post-traumatic stress disorder , or an anxiety disorder are more likely to use alcohol or drugs. Alcohol and drugs may make these conditions worse. Drug expectations. Teens often have the wrong ideas about the harmful effects of substances.
And they often think that "everybody does it" and so should they. Early age at first use. Using alcohol or other drugs at a young age greatly increases a teen's risk for having substance use disorder.
Family risk factors Teens are more likely to use alcohol or drugs if: A parent uses or overuses alcohol or other substances. A parent or teen has depression, anxiety or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ADHD. They think their parents believe that teens experimenting with alcohol and drugs is expected and normal. Their family has frequent conflict, physical or sexual abuse, or stress. Parents aren't involved enough with their teens and don't supervise them.
Harsh or inconsistent punishment or being too lax also can increase the risk of alcohol and drug use. Community risk factors These include: Access to substances in the home and community.
Peer influence. A teen may want to fit in with a group of peers, and those peers use substances. Promotion of alcohol, cigarettes, and drugs by the media. The entertainment and other media show alcohol and cigarette use as "cool" and as a way to gain popularity, success, and sex appeal. Prevention Strategies Teens who don't use alcohol, cigarettes, and other drugs are less likely to use them as adults. Be a role model, and stay connected Be a role model.
As a parent, your attitude toward alcohol, cigarettes, and drugs is one of the greatest influences on whether your child will use substances. If you have a substance use problem, get help. If you quit, your teen is more likely to get help early if he or she starts using a substance. Share your beliefs.
Even though they may not act like it, most children listen to what their parents tell them. Talk with your teen about the effects of substances on emotions, schoolwork, and health. If you have a family history of substance use problems, talk with your teen about his or her increased risk for the same problems.
Stay connected. Know your teen's friends. Know where your teen is at all times. Set times when the family is expected to be together, such as at mealtimes. Plan family outings or other family fun activities. Be fair and consistent. Extremes of discipline can increase the risk of substance use. Set reasonable consequences for unacceptable behavior, and consistently carry them out.
Praise your teen for his or her successes. Use a parent-teen contract to write down expected behaviors and consequences if the plan is not followed. Encourage activities. Keep your teen busy with meaningful activities, such as sports, church programs, or other group involvement. Teens who feel good about themselves are less likely to use alcohol and drugs.
Get informed.
0コメント