Helping parents reach out to troubled teens…
Teen Alcohol, Drugs And Other Addictions
Teens face many pressures and temptations everyday when it comes to alcohol, drugs, smoking, gambling and other addictions. They need support and understanding from adults who care about them and can give them advice on how to deal with these pressures and temptations appropriately.
However, many parents tend to view alcohol or drug use as normal everyday teenage experimentation and nothing to really worry about. This is a myth that still tends to persist despite much scientific evidence to the contrary.
Some parents even allow their adolescents to drink at home believing they have more control over their teen’s drinking and they can teach them to drink responsibly. There actually is nothing further from the truth.
Alcohol or drug use and other addictions including smoking, gambling, and even computer gaming create many emotional and physical health problems for developing young people.
Severe Cconsequences of Teenage Substance Abuse
Most parents are aware of the addictive nature of substance abuse and the physical damage that can occur with addictions. But many parents are actually unaware of how severe the consequences are for their teenagers even later in life due to this early “experimentation”. For as these teens move into adulthood, the addictions that began at such an early age are now extremely difficult for them to break despite the desire to do so.
With alcohol and drug use, the earlier a child begins using the quicker they become addicted. The same amount and frequency of drinking or drug use that would take an adult 20 years to become addicted would only take an adolescent six months to a year to become a full blown addict.
This youngster who becomes addicted in only six months to a year of alcohol or drug use will now suffer the consequences for this behavior for the rest of their life. For once the body has crossed over into addiction, there is no turning back.
Steps to Take
The first step you as parents, teachers or other loved ones of troubled teens can take is to focus on prevention by discussing openly with your teenager about the facts and destructive nature of any uses and abuses of alcohol, drugs, smoking, gambling, and even the destructive excessive Internet or TV patterns of many teens in our present society.
The next step is to be on the look out for any symptoms that could be an indication of alcohol or drug use. Also watch for signs of gambling, or even excessive computer use or TV watching.
If you notice any symptoms, deal with your adolescent directly about your concerns and if you have a difficult time getting through to them or you’re unable to control the situation then seek professional help as soon as possible.
Remember, many symptoms of alcohol or drug use can be symptoms of other problems or disorders as well, but if the symptoms are present, it’s good to seek help to determine the exact nature of the problem so these negative symptoms can be addressed before the situation spirals out of control.
If the situation has already escalated out of control, seek professional help immediately. Please don’t waste precious time second-guessing yourself. Your troubled teen’s future depends on you taking appropriate action to prevent lifetime consequences when the addiction reaches the point of no return.
While you’re here, don’t forget to sign up for our free Teen Parenting Guide and read all of the helpful articles starting with the section on Teen Addictions.