By Neha Masurkar, Psycholohist
Teens who abuse drugs may have a greater risk of developing an addiction when they are adults. It’s essential to know the difference between drug abuse and addiction. Many teens experiment with drugs but aren’t addicted.
Teen Drug Experimentation
Half of all new drug users are under the age of 18. Experimentation plays the biggest role in teenage drug use. However, experimentation is a fact of life and just because a teen has tried drugs or alcohol doesn’t mean they will become an addict immediately. It’s more important to understand why some teens are tempted to experiment in the first place.
Common reasons teens abuse drugs include:
· Curiosity
· Peer pressure
· Stress
· A desire to escape
The majority of adults with addiction first experimented with drugs before they turned 21.
Signs Of Teen Drug Abuse
There are many signs that a teen is using drugs. It can be difficult to tell the difference between the pangs of adolescence and actual drug use, but parents can be proactive in talking to their teens to find out what’s going on.
Some common signs of teen drug abuse include:
· Bad grades
· Bloodshot eyes
· Laughing for no reason
· Loss of interest in activities
· Poor hygiene
· Diminished personal appearance
· Avoiding eye contact
· Frequent hunger or “munchies”
· Smell of smoke on breath or clothes
· Secretive behaviour
· Unusual tiredness
· Missing curfew
It’s up to parents to initiate a conversation with their children if they suspect drug use. One in five parents who suspects their teen is using drugs does not intervene to prevent further drug use. The best way to get a teen to communicate about their drug use is by asking compassionate and understanding questions.
Parents can ask straightforward questions in a nonthreatening tone. Simply asking the question “Have you been using drugs or alcohol?” or “Has anyone offered you drugs recently?” can be enough to get the conversation started. At first the teen may be hesitant to speak about the same. Give your teen the trust he/she requires. It will take time to see you as a friend and a guide from being a parent.
If A Teen Admits To Taking Drugs:
Parents shouldn’t overreact if their teen comes clean about using drugs. Overreacting or lashing out can prevent a teen from opening up about their experience. Getting teens to talk is important in determining if their drug use was a one-time thing or if it’s becoming a problem.
Parents should explain how they care about their child and their child’s future. Teens who feel supported and loved are also more likely to stop experimenting with drugs or seek help if they have an addiction. Love is the key to anyone’s Heart.
