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Teens and Drugs

Teens and Drugs
Though every parent wishes and hopes that their children abstain from drug experimentation, the statistic above shows the majority of teenagers will experiment despite 20 years of "Just Say No" messages. Many parents fear that a reality-based, safety oriented discussion of drugs may lead to experimentation. Young people need to know which drugs pose the most risks; that mixing certain substances can be deadly; and that driving under the influence or attending school under the influence must be avoided. When talking about drugs, trust and open dialogue is of utmost importance between teens and parents. Though abstinence is preferred, parents need to let their teens know that they care most about their health. Drug education efforts should promote safety first.

Talking with your kids about drugs and alcohol can be difficult. It is a highly sensitive topic, but the possible consequences of drinking and taking drugs are far too dire to ignore. So even though you might stumble and falter, the stakes are too high for you to remain silent.

Kinds of Drugs

A drug is any substance that changes the way the mind and body work. Some drugs, such as alcohol are legal while others - such as heroin, ecstasy, cannabis, cocaine and LSD - are illegal.

Legal drugsTobacco is the most widely used, most potentially dangerous drug available. Recent surveys have shown that almost a quarter of 15-year-olds smoke regularly, and 85% of teenagers who smoke become addicted. Teenagers are drinking more alcohol than before. About a third of teenagers aged 13-17 drink at least once a week. Alcopops (alcoholic fruit drinks) that often contain more alcohol than many adult drinks are popular with young people.
SolventsThese are substances whose fumes teenagers deliberately breathe to get ‘high'. They include cigarette lighter refills, glues, aerosols and petrol. Sniffing is usually carried out by teenagers in groups. Most sniffers give up glue in favour of alcohol or other drugs when they can afford to.
Illegal drugsMost teenagers come into contact with drugs and know where they can be obtained. Research shows that almost a third of 15-year-olds have tried an illegal drug at some point, usually cannabis. Thankfully, most teenagers who experiment with ‘soft' drugs (such as cannabis) do not move onto hard drugs (such as heroin) or become addicted. What's more, only a few young people use illegal drugs regularly.

Why do teenagers take drugs?

Some teens believe drugs will help them think better, be more popular, stay more active, or become better athletes. Others are simply curious and figure one try won't hurt. Others want to fit in. A few use drugs to gain attention from their parents. Many teens use drugs because they are depressed or think drugs will help them escape their problems. The truth is drugs don't solve problems. Drugs simply hide feelings and problems. When a drug wears off, the feelings and problems remain - or become worse. Drugs can ruin every aspect of a person's life.

The reasons young people take drugs are often similar to the reasons adults drink and smoke. They're associated with relaxing with friends, listening to music or watching a video. In addition: teenagers like to experiment: some will try drugs just because they are curious and want to find out what the effects are. They may experiment with a range of drugs for a short time and then stop. They haven't become ‘addicted' or dependent, nor have they suffered any lasting effects.

The influence of peers is huge, so it may be easier for teenagers to have a go than to say no and look uncool. Teenagers like to rebel and kick out against parents' rules. Independence is part of growing up. Others want the thrill risk-taking brings.

Teenagers like to have a good time and may enjoy the effects that drugs bring. Many illegal drugs are as cheap, or cheaper than alcohol.

How can I tell if my teenager is using illegal drugs?

It's not easy to spot when your teenager is developing a drug habit. The drug-associated equipment will be hidden away unless your teenager wants you to find it. A search of your son or daughter's bedroom will almost certainly lead to a breakdown in trust. The most likely signs of drug abuse are changes in behaviour, although all teenagers have mood swings and act unpredictably. Look for a persistent combination of:

• change in sleeping pattern

• lethargy

• sudden mood changes

• altered appetite

• unexpected aggression

• loss of interest in normal social life

• severe lack of personal hygiene

• disappearance or shortage of cash.

Your teen uses illegal drugs

Try to stay calm and think about the issues rationally. Get support and help. Talk to your teenager. Explain that you know or suspect they are taking some form of illegal drugs and want to help. If you find a supply of the drug, either destroy it or take it to the police as soon as possible. If you know that your child is using drugs, acknowledge that you may need help and support yourself. There are many local and national agencies and help lines which offer confidential support to parents of drug users.

How to stop the teenager taking drugs?

What you do is more important than anything you say. It will be much harder to persuade your teenager to avoid drugs if you regularly drink and smoke yourself, for example.

It is also important to talk to your son and daughter - adolescents might disguise it well, but most still see parents as a reassuring and trusted source of support and information. Many parents worry that talking to teenagers about drugs will put ideas into their heads, but if your son or daughter relies on friends for their information, they might not get all the facts.

While you may not be able to prevent your teenager from experimenting with legal or illegal drugs completely, you can educate them as to the risks, effects and possible consequences, and ways of staying safe. Try to give your teenagers strategies to deal with situations in advance.

You can't eliminate your teenager's curiosity about drugs and alcohol and you can't shield from the social pressures to use them. You can encourage your teen's self-worth, give the hard facts, establish firm limits, set a positive example, and always keep the lines of "communication without condemnation" open.

Some statistics on teens and drugs

In the next 24 hours, 15,006 American teens will use drugs for the first time.
Since 1992, drug use by 12- to 17-year-olds has doubled.
Today, in a classroom of 25 students, odds are that three of them will be drug users. 
A majority of teens between the ages of 15 and 17 have been to a party in the last six months where marijuana was available.
54 % of high school seniors experimented with drugs at some point at their lives.
39% of seniors used drugs during the past year.
24% of seniors used drugs during the past month.
77% of high school seniors try alcohol at sometime before graduation.

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