More and more teens seem to be turning to drugs as a means to cope with their problems or for recreational purposes. As a result, many of them develop a dependency to the substance they are using. Teen drug addiction is a serious issue in the United States and can be a fatal disease. Many teens who are addicted to drugs will not see a problem with their behavior or drug use. However, it can quickly destroy their lives and greatly affect the entire family.
According to a survey by the National Institute of Drug Abuse, about 50% of high school seniors report some type of illicit drug use during their lifetime. Using hard drugs is less common among teens, however this same study showed that 8.1% of the students had used cocaine and 1.5% reported heroin use. As many as 30% of these youth have tried an illicit drug by the 8th grade. Parents don't often realize the availability of drugs to our youth. As alarming as these statistics are, hopefully they raise an awareness for parents to talk to their kids about drugs.
It is important to be aware of the warning signs of teen drug use, so you can know if your teen is in trouble. Teens who abuse drugs often show dramatic changes in personality. They tend to isolate themselves from their friends and family and begin spending time with a new crowd of peers. Poor academic performance, mood swings, altered sleeping patterns, weight loss, and unexplained agitation can all be associated with drug use. Also, if money or other valuable items start to disappear or your teen begins lying to you when faced with questions, it could be indicative of a drug problem. Teens who use and become addicted to drugs may exhibit behaviors that you never thought were possible.
Raising a drug free teen takes a proactive effort. Start talking to your child about drugs at a young age. Providing a structured environment with a supportive family will decrease their risk of drug use. As your child grows, give them ample opportunity to make decisions and build confidence in those decision making skills. Also, building self esteem, encouraging healthy activities, and knowing where your teens is and who they are with are good preventative methods. If you suspect your teen is using any type of illicit substance, seek help immediately. Addiction recovery may require professional help from a residential treatment facility.
