Tips for Parents & Educators on Alcohol and Drugs

Beyond being illegal, teens drinking or using drugs can have a serious impact on their development. They may not realize the dangers to their minds and bodies. Teens can become addicted to substances more quickly and that can mean lifelong consequences. Educate your teen on the risks of drugs and alcohol and show them how to say no.

Topics

Why Do Teens Abuse Drugs and Alcohol?

Teens use alcohol and other drugs for many reasons. They may do it because they want to fit in with friends or certain groups. They may also take a drug or drink alcohol because they like the way it makes them feel. Or they may believe that it makes them more grown up. Teens tend to try new things and take risks, and they may take drugs or drink alcohol because it seems exciting.

Teens with family members who have problems with alcohol or other drugs are more likely to have serious substance abuse problems. Also, teens who feel that they are not connected to or valued by their parents are at greater risk. Teens with poor self-esteem or emotional or mental health problems, such as depression, also are at increased risk.

Negative Consequences

Teens are taught in school about the risks posed to them by drugs and alcohol, and they may already know about some of the direct consequences:

  • Addiction: Most drug users (95%) start before the age of 20. For many, it is a lifelong struggle.
  • Imprisonment: Teens can face years in jail and heavy fines for using or selling drugs
  • Death: Over 26,000 Americans died of drug-induced causes in 2002.

What they may not realize is how much higher their risk for addiction is. In teens, the part of the brain that controls impulsive behaviors isn’t fully developed. This means it’s harder for teens to “put on the brakes” when considering an impulsive decision because they don’t have a full set yet.

Substance abuse can lead to serious problems such as loss of friends, problems at home and school, and lasting legal problems. Alcohol and drug abuse is a leading cause of teen death or injury related to car accidents, suicides, violence, and drowning. Substance abuse can increase the risk of pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including HIV, because of unprotected sex.

Even casual use of certain drugs can cause severe medical problems, such as an overdose or brain damage. Many illegal drugs today are made in home labs, so they can vary greatly in strength. These drugs also may contain bacteria, dangerous chemicals, and other unsafe substances. Beyond that, there are social consequences for drug use:

Whether they like to admit it or not, your teens rely on you for advice and guidance. Giving them the facts about drug abuse will help them to make the right choice about alcohol and drugs.

What Should You Do If You Find out Your Teen Is Using Alcohol, Tobacco or Drugs?

If your teen is using alcohol, tobacco, or drugs, take it seriously. One of the most important things you can do is to talk openly with your teen about the problem. Urge him or her to do the same. Try not to use harsh, judging words. Be as supportive as you can during this time. In most cases, a hostile, angry face-to-face meeting pushes your teen away from the family.

The type of treatment your teen needs depends on the level of substance abuse. For example, if a teen has tried drugs or alcohol only a few times, talking openly about the problem may be all that you need to do to help your teen stop. But if your teen is addicted to a drug or alcohol, he or she may need to have detoxification treatment or a treatment that replaces the substance with medicine. Medicine works best if it is combined with one-on-one or family counseling, or both.

Returning to substance abuse, called relapse, is common after treatment. It is not a failure on the part of your teen or the treatment program. Recovery from addiction is hard and takes time. Know that there may be setbacks that your teen will need to overcome one step at a time.

Can Teen Substance Abuse Be Prevented?

Talking openly and honestly with your teen may prevent your teen from trying alcohol and drugs. Tackle the subject head on and talk to your kids about how to resist peer pressure to take drugs. By not discussing the issues they may receive the opposite message and assume you don’t care either way.

You can help prevent substance use by using these tips:

  • 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 penalties for bad behavior, and consistently carry them out.
  • Keep talking with your teen. Praise your teen for even the little things he or she does well.
  • Know your teen’s friends. Having friends who avoid cigarettes, alcohol, and drugs may be your teen?s best protection from substance abuse.

Signs of Substance Abuse

It’s important to be aware of the signs that your teen may be abusing alcohol, drugs or other substances. Some of the signs include:

  • Red eyes and health complaints, such as being overly tired. If your teen often uses over-the-counter eyedrops, he or she may be trying to cover up red eyes caused by smoking marijuana.
  • Less interest in school, a drop in grades, and skipping classes or school altogether.
  • New friends who have little interest in their families or school activities.
  • Chemical-soaked rags or papers, which may mean that your teen is inhaling vapors. Another sign of using inhalants is paint or other stains on your teen’s clothing, hands or face.