What Do Teens Need To Know About Substance Abuse
If you are a parent of a teenager, then you may understand this is a critical time in his or her life where they will build a foundation that will lead into adulthood.
Every parent wants to see his or her teenager succeed and make the right decisions.
That is why it is highly important as a parent to do what you can to help your teenager stay on the right path.
The youth in the U.S. is one of the most vulnerable in the population to use substances and alcohol.
Later in life, it can develop into a substance use disorder and alcoholism.
It is essential to reach out to them to prevent this from happening.
Parents can help reduce the risk of substance use and alcoholism by preemptive intervention and protective factors.
Teenagers can be easily influenced by their peers.
As a parent, you may be concerned that your influence will not be enough to shape your teenager’s behavior.
However, the actions of a parent speak loudly and can lead a teenager through this transformative time in his or her life.
Here are four preventative measures you can take as a parent to prevent teenage substance use.
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Four Preventative Measures to Prevent Teenage Substance Use
1. Know the Risk Factors for Teenage Substance Use
Being informed is fundamental in preventing your teenager from substance use. There are risk factors involved in substance use among the young. These include genetic components, psychiatric disorders, environmental factors, and socioeconomic status. All of the factors contribute to teenage substance use. An unhealthy cultural environment and extreme stress can alter gene expression and gene function. This means that teenagers are more likely to use substances under such conditions. Identifying any unusual behavior or thoughts in your teenager is important because you need to know if any psychiatric disorders require clinical treatment. People with psychiatric disorders are more likely to use substances than those without. The environment which you provide in your home is significant in how your teenager will perceive the world. If you are a parent who uses substances or alcohol, it is likely your teenager will follow in those steps. If teenagers begin using substances at their age, they are likely going to continue to abuse drugs and develop a substance use disorder in adulthood. They will develop tolerances to the substances they use as a teenager and will need more and more to chase the feelings he or she once had when they began experiencing substance use.
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2. Being Involved in Your Teenager’s Life
A critical factor that is correlated with lower rates of substance use among teenagers is parental involvement. A parent’s role is a powerful determinant in whom your teenager will become. As a parent, you must realize that while your presence is extremely essential in their development. You cannot blame yourself for any mistakes that your teenager may make. So, it is important to know what your teenager is doing with his or her life. Knowing his or her hobbies, friends, academic work, and personal preferences will allow you to communicate more effectively. You must be supportive of positive influences, activities, and goals. Positive reinforcement goes a long way with your teenager. Tell him or her that you are proud of what they are doing or who they are. This will help to form healthy self-esteem. Spend time with your teenager doing positive and fun activities. Find out what your teenager enjoys and participate with them in the hobby or activity. You can explore new hobbies and find a mutual activity in which you and your teenager can bond. Bonding will make you closer to your teenager, which will make it more likely he or she will trust you with important things in his or her life.
3. Know Who Your Teenager’s Friends
Teenagers are easily influenced by all kinds of things from media, entertainment, teachers, and especially their friends and peers. Friends play a vital role in determining what beliefs and values your teenager may adopt. Peer pressure is such a major factor that contributes to substance use. Many times, it is because of peer pressure that a teenager uses a substance for the first time. Common substances used are alcohol, marijuana, and cocaine. It is important to monitor your teenager’s friends and know what to look for. If you suspect your teenager is hanging around or talking to friends that use substances, then you may want to remind your teenager about the consequences of substance use. Teenagers use social media to communicate with each other, so you must know what your teenager is doing on social media. Encourage your teenager to find friends that will support him or her and that will not pressure them to do anything they do not want to do.
4. Set a Good Example
This may seem like an obvious prevention method. However, it is commonly overlooked and contributes to teenage substance use. To set a good example, it is important to have a talk with your teenager about substance use and the consequences of using them. Set boundaries and rules for your teenager. Discipline will reinforce good morals. If you do drink alcohol, limit your use around your teenager. If your teenager sees you drinking, even if it is socially, he or she may believe it is acceptable to drink alcohol. Do not use substances either. The actions you do will affect your teenager’s decisions and behavior. This can carry on to adulthood. Explain to your teenager that every action has a consequence.
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Consequences of Teenage Substance Use
If your teenager begins abusing substances, it can affect them in many ways later in life. There are many reasons teenagers begin using substances. It can range from stress, curiosity, peer pressure, mental health disorders, emotional distress, and grief. No matter the reason for substance abuse, there are always consequences that come with it.
Consequences
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Development of mental health disorders
- Damaged relationships with friends and family
- Decline in personal hygiene
- Decline in health
- Low self-esteem
- Isolation
- Suicidal ideation
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Seeking dependency treatment is one of the bravest things you can do for yourself or your teenager.
Do not let your situation stop you from contacting Resurgence Behavioral Health.
We provide honest and accurate pricing information for all of our treatment options.
We offer free insurance verification. Call us today to see if you qualify.
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Reach Out and Receive Treatment Today
Do not wait any further! Help is available to you and your teenager when you need it.
You are not alone in this struggle.
The trained professionals at Resurgence Behavioral Health genuinely care about you and dedicate their lives to make sure you and your teenager can live yours.
To overcome substance addiction, proper drug therapy treatment is required.
It is not an easy walk, but our treatment is the best option when it comes to your health.
We provide the most professional treatment to give you a fighting chance in a rough battle.
Let today be the day you reach out to Resurgence Behavioral Health so that you can begin to reclaim the life you have been missing!
