More than one-third of high school seniors used an illicit drug at least once in the past year, according to the University of Michigan's "Monitoring the Future" study. Although not all teens that use drugs will become addicted, even using an illicit drug one time can have serious repercussions for teens.
Risk Factors
Although no one can accurately predict if a teen will begin using drugs, certain risk factors in a teen may make this behavior more likely. A family history of substance abuse, depression or anxiety, early aggressive behavior, feeling rejected by family or peers, lack of parental supervision, low self-esteem, poverty and drug availability are common risk factors for teen drug abuse, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Warning Signs
Parents sometimes have a hard time seeing the warning signs of teenage drug use because many signs of drug use are just normal parts of being a teenager. However, some behaviors are more likely to be related to drug use than others, explains Help Guide. Teens that begin using drugs often become secretive about their friends or activities and demand more privacy or begin to sneak around. They may also begin acting uncharacteristically energized, anxious or depressed. Many develop discipline problems at school or at home and may skip classes or have a sudden decline in their grades. Parents of teens who abuse drugs may notice money or valuables missing or notice that prescription medications or alcohol has been used or misplaced.
Effects
Teen drug use often has serious, negative consequences. Teens who abuse drugs often have poor judgment, which can lead to an increased risk of fights, car accidents, injuries and unsafe sexual activity. Drug use often causes teens to lose interest in school, sports and hobbies. Although some teens are able to use drugs without becoming addicted, many cannot. People who use drugs during their teenage years are at greater risk of serious drug abuse and addiction later in life, explains the Mayo Clinic. Drug use also may lead to serious health problems.
Considerations
Parents who are involved and frequently discuss the dangers of drug use with their teen may help prevent their teen from using drugs. In fact, Instead of simply handing down orders or creating rules, parents should really listen to their teens' feelings and try to understand their points of view. Parents should be specific and emphasize how drug use may affect things important to the teen. Brainstorming ways to avoid situations where drugs are present and ways to say no to drugs while "saving face" are also useful.
Finding Help
Teens who become addicted to drugs often need the help of a substance abuse counselor to beat the addiction. Parents can find local substance abuse counselors that specialize in teenage addiction by asking a doctor, local hospital or health center or the teen's school counselor for referrals. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's Center for Substance Abuse has a helpline that also provides useful information at finding local resources that can help the teen. The number for this hotline is 800-662-HELP.
