Teenagers and Smoking, Drugs and Alcohol
Probably the most obvious thing we can do to keep our children safe is to be observant and involved in our children’s lives. Parents should keep the communication lines open with their children and not be surprised to learn that their son or daughter has been experimenting with drugs, alcohol and smoking. It is increasingly a reality that parents must face these days and they should be prepared to deal with the situation before it becomes a serious issue.
Every day, approximately 4,700 American youth under age 18 try marijuana for the first time. The use of illegal drugs is increasing, especially among young teens. The average age of first marijuana use is 14, and alcohol use can start before age 12. The use of marijuana and alcohol in high school has become common. Each year more than 10,000 young people in the United States are killed and 40,000 injured in alcohol-related automobile accidents. And in 2008, approximately 1,000 young people under the age of 18 became daily smokers every day.
Despite these statistics, one thing remains true; parents are the most important influence in a teen’s decisions about drug and alcohol use. If you suspect or know that your child is using drugs, take action now, because the longer you wait, the harder it will be to deal with the situation.
Parents are sometimes afraid that they will alienate their children by talking to them about drug and alcohol use. But kids who make a choice to use drugs or alcohol are at a crossroads and need your help. Overcoming your own fears is an important step in getting help for your child.
Research shows that kids start using drugs and alcohol because they feel the need to take risks or they believe it will help them fit in or feel better. Experimentation is one thing, but you job as parents is to see that it doesn’t escalate to abuse or addiction. Teenagers at risk for developing serious alcohol and drug problems include those with a family history of substance abuse and those who are depressed, lonely and have low self-esteem.
Parents can prevent their children from using drugs by open communication, role modeling, responsible behavior, and recognizing if problems are developing. You can talk with your children without getting angry or accusatory. You need to establish that you take your role as parent seriously, and that you are concerned for your teenager’s health and wellbeing.
That’s why it’s so important to start talking about drug, alcohol and tobacco use while your kids are young, to tailor your approach to their stage of development, and to continue the conversation throughout their adolescence.
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