Teenagers
And Substance Abuse

Adults need to be aware of the risks and warning signs of teenagers and substance abuse. For the health and safety of your child, intervention is imperative.

Teen Substance Abuse

Whether you're a parent, grandparent, educator, or caring adult, understanding the dynamic between teenagers and substance abuse is very important. The last thing anyone wants to do is perpetuate the idea that all teenagers and young people are involved with drugs. However, it would be remiss to underestimate this time in a young person's life is probably the most susceptible to the risks of substance abuse.

Teens Most Likely at Risk

All the "after-school specials" in the world aren't going to be enough to educate kids and adults about how to spot a teen who might be headed for trouble. We've all heard that kids who have a hard time fitting in or seem to be "off in their own world" are at a high risk. This might be true; however, it's important to remember that just because a teen chooses to march to the beat of a different drummer, doesn't mean there's a problem. Our society is full of people with differences ... thank goodness!

Far more likely to have a drug or alcohol problem than the teenager who exhibits a different appearance are those who have ...

• a family history of substance abuse,
• an unhealthy home life,
• and kids who suffer from depression.

Teens from all walks of life and dress codes fall into those categories. Help your teen build positive self esteem and he or she will be more likely to use good judgment.

Most Abused Substances

The easiest drugs for a teenager to access are tobacco and alcohol. In many cases, the use of either of these substances in a young person's developmental years can lead to experimentation with other, more dangerous drugs and substances.

The problem is that many kids can find these temmptations at home. Also found at home and quickly becoming a serious problem are prescription drugs. Their parents legitimately have narcotic painkillers
and other types of medications ... and these drugs can usually be found in the medicine cabinet. It's imperative to keep track these types of pills in your home--and to keep them in a secure place.

Recreational drugs as well as alcohol and tobacco are risks that young adults have faced for many years. Talking to kids about teenagers and substance abuse - as well as really listening to what they have to say - are valuable factors in controlling what could otherwise turn into a serious situation.