The probability that your teen will be exposed to drugs during adolescence is very high, and based on statistics from the National Institute on Drug Abuse, there is also a good chance your teen will try them. There are several things about adolescent drug abuse a concerned parent should know, including factors that influence teens, signs of use and resources for help.
Why Teens Use
According to the Adolescent Substance Abuse Knowledge Base, or ASK, The Partnership for a Drug Free America and Monitoring the Future at University of Michigan Ann Arbor conducted studies in order to find out what influences teens to use drugs, and what types of drugs are most common among them. What they found was that attitudes among young people varied widely, especially from one generation to the next. However, the most common factors included social approval and availability. These two factors go hand in hand. If a drug is readily available, an adolescent may consider it socially acceptable. If another drug is less available, it may be considered more risky, and less socially acceptable, making it less popular among that particular group of adolescents. In addition, ASK says that because teens are so connected through electronic forms of communication, the "positive" experiences related to drugs including euphoria, energy and numbness are broadcasted and spread quickly among young people.
Signs of Use
Signs of adolescent drug abuse vary from one drug to the next but there are certain universal signs to look for. Teen-Drug-Abuse.org says if a teen is displaying a declining interest in activities he once enjoyed, has a change in school performance or displays unpredictable mood swings, he may be using drugs. HelpGuide.org says other signs include fighting with family members, significant others or friends, unexplainable requests for money or even stealing, secretive and suspicious behavior and frequent instances of trouble such as physical fighting or illegal activities. Physical signs include bloodshot eyes, large pupils, change in sleeping patterns, sudden weight loss or weight gain, unusual neglect of personal appearance, strange smells on the breath or clothes, slurred speech and impaired coordination.
Common Types of Drugs Among Teens
Marijuana is considered a popular drug choice among teens, but club drugs have increased in popularity. According to ASK, many teens enjoy all-night dance parties. It is not uncommon that at these parties teens experiment with drugs like Ecstasy, GHB and Rohypnol. Ecstacy, commonly called "X," is taken to improve a user's mood and provide energy to dance and stay awake. GHB relaxes the user and in high doses can induce sleep, coma or even death. Rohypnol, or "Roofies" are often slipped into drinks and commonly used as date-rape drugs. Other types of drugs include Ketamine, or Special K, methamphetamine and LSD.
Myths
Some people feel that addiction is a disease and drug users cannot help themselves. However, HelpGuide.org says that although most experts agree that drug addiction is a brain disease, there is plenty a person can do to help herself. They are not a helpless victim. The disease can be treated and reversed through therapy, medication, exercise and other treatments. Some also argue that in order for treatment to be effective it must be voluntary, however that is not always the case. HelpGuide.org says that drug users who are pressured into treatment by their family, employer or the the law are "just as likely to benefit as those who choose to enter treatment on their own."
Help and Treatment
Even though the teen may deny a problem or be resistant at first, it is important to keep the lines of communication open. Let them know that you are there to help. Because of his rebellious nature, it is sometimes helpful to include a third party. The teen's school may have services available. If not, there is a wealth of information provided by the National Resource Center. They can be reached at 1-866-870-6948. A teen treatment directory is also available at http://www.adolescent-substance-abuse.com/substance-abuse-directory/. There you can find the type and treatment options that are best suited for you and your teen.
