Teenagers and Addiction: What You Can Do to Help

For many parents, the prospect of their child becoming embroiled with drugs, alcohol or other addictive substances is their worst nightmare. Sadly, with studies indicating that 46% of high school students use addictive substances regularly (to the point where teenage substance abuse is actually classed as an epidemic in the US) this nightmare is becoming a reality for many families across the country.

When our children are young we are able to protect them and, to some extent, control their actions and behavior but as they reach adolescence and begin developing their own independence, factors such as peer pressure and sheer curiosity can lead to them experimenting with certain substances. And when experimentation escalates into addiction, the consequences for them and the rest of your family can be shattering. For this reason, many parents are eager to educate their children on the risks of drugs and alcohol in order to prevent this from happening in the first place. But just how do you go about talking to your teen about such a delicate subject? Here are some tips on approaching the issue and what to do if you suspect your teen is becoming addicted to drugs or alcohol.

Be aware of risk factors and early signs

Identifying whether your child is at a ‘high risk’ of experimenting with substances isn’t always easy but there are social, physical and emotional factors that can help. Many children turn to drugs or alcohol if they have a difficult family life or if someone close to them has been a drug or alcohol user. They may fall into the wrong crowd and experience peer pressure or they may suffer from low confidence, anxiety or depression that leads them to seek solace or escape. If you can recognize any of these risk factors in your teen then addressing these issues and talking to them sooner rather than later is important. You should also look out for early warning signs of persistent substance abuse such as lethargy, irritability, withdrawal and secrecy. Being aware of these early signs can help with a crucial, early intervention.

Build self esteem

Psychological studies indicate that low self esteem in children and young adults can be one of the leading causes of addiction and addictive behavior in later life. Instilling a sense of self worth and personal pride in your children from an early age is important. As parents we are able to shape our children’s thought processes and general opinions of themselves in subtle but meaningful ways.

Regular reassurance, praise and affection will help build their self esteem and improve mental health. While encouraging them to take part in out-of-school activities will give them something to work towards and a way in which they can experience achievement alongside making friends. If they feel loved, self assured and assertive they will not only have the personal power to stand up to peer pressure but they will have more respect for their health and feel less inclined to seek the false highs of drugs and alcohol.

Seek help

Many parents can feel out of their depth when it comes to issues like this. There is no shame in seeking professional support, in fact in some cases it can be the bravest thing you can do. In the early stages some guidance and advice from a pediatrician or teacher can be all it takes to give you the confidence to deal with the situation yourself. But if you discover that your teenager is in the later stages of substance abuse and addiction then it could be time to call in a trained counselor or even consider rehabilitation.

For many parents, the thought of sending their child to rehab is terrifying but many centers offer day programs as well as residential care which can make the transition seem less traumatic. Many rehab centers today are modern with nice amenities and can offer the type of intervention and treatment that your teenager really needs to overcome their addiction.

Keep cool and communicate

Staying involved in your child’s life and knowing what they are up to gives you the best possible chance of noticing is something is wrong. Children who tend to go through substance abuse are usually the ones who experience a lack of interest, involvement or closeness with their parents and so it is important to be there and show in interest in their feelings, studies, relationships and hobbies. Keep the lines of communication open and urge them to talk to you.

This may sometimes mean suppressing your own feelings and keeping your cool – for example if your teen comes to you and tells you about all the things that were going on at that party over the weekend, your initial reaction might be one of shock or even anger. But if you punish them or make them feel ashamed you will be kept in the dark in future and may risk alienating your child. By all means educate them but try not to appear as though you are judging or dictating.

Set boundaries

Being a cool parent is great but there will come a time for boundaries and discipline. Work with your child to determine boundaries that are reasonable and fair when it comes to curfews and responsibilities such as chores. Explain your decisions so that they understand there are reasons for them and they are not simply being dictated to. Make it clear that if they come home drunk or high they will be punished because they are too young to experiment with things that can be so detrimental to their health and stick to your word. It is not about instilling fear, but a respect for their own bodies and for your rules.