Parents are in a unique position to identify and get treatment for their teenage children who are using alcohol and illicit drugs. It's important to understand that any childregardless of race, ethnicity, gender, religion, or socio economic backgroundcan develop a substance abuse problem. By paying attention to your children and knowing the facts, you will be better able to recognize substance abuse problems and take action.
Here are some facts every parent should know:
- Adolescent substance abuse can start early. According to recent statistics, the age at which young people start using tobacco can be as young as 12; the average age they start drinking alcohol is shortly before their 13th birthday; and the average age for young people to experiment with smoking marijuana is 14. Inhalants are most commonly abused among adolescents in their early teens, with 8th graders more likely to be users than 10th or 12th graders. (1999 data from nationwide surveys of 8th, 10th, and 12th graders)
- Young people who start drinking alcohol at age 13 are four times more likely to develop an alcohol abuse disorder later on in life than someone who starts drinking at age 20. (Age at Onset of Alcohol Use and Its Association With DSM-IV Alcohol Abuse and Dependence, Journal of Substance Abuse 9: 103-110, 1997.)
- Even elementary-age children feel pressured to drink alcohol, smoke cigarettes, use illicit drugs, and huff inhalants. According to a recent report by the Center For Substance Abuse Prevention, approximately 40% of 4th, 5th, and 6th graders admit that they would drink alcohol or use crack/cocaine just to fit in or feel older.
- Parents make a difference in their childrens choices about alcohol and drugs. More than 42% of teens who have never used marijuana say their parents play an important part in their decision not to use marijuana. However, children of substance abusing parents who lack intrapersonal and interpersonal skills are at increased risk for school failure, depression, anxiety, and alcohol and drug use. (National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuses 1999 nationwide survey, American Attitudes on Substance Abuse V: Teens and Their Parents)
- Parents can work on communicating more effectively with their children. Roughly 57% of African American parents, 45% of Hispanic parents, and 44% of white parents say they talk with their children about drugs frequently. However, only 31% of African American teens, 29% of Hispanic teens, and 19% of white teens report having such conversations with their parents or guardian. (1999 Partnership Attitude Tracking Study conducted by Partnership For A Drug-Free America)
Getting Involved
Dealing with substance abuse problems in young people is an important part of parenting today. The good news is that help is available. Teenagers can and do get off drugs. Here are some steps that parents can take:
- If you think your child may have a problem with alcohol, prescription drugs, or illicit drugs, get help immediately. Set a good example by not using illicit drugs and by responsibly using alcohol. There are therapists who are especially skilled at helping peopleyoung and oldrecover from problems with substance abuse. Click here to find a therapist in your area through 4therapy.coms Therapist Locator. Teach your child or teenager that it is okay to get help.
- Talk to your children about the dangers of substance abuse. Find out what they already know and think about drugs and alcohol. Be a good listener.
- Learn more about specific drugsespecially marijuana, steroids, club drugs, and inhalants. Be able to recognize the paraphernalia associated with drug use, such as pipes, vials, canisters, needles, paper bags, rolling paper, roach clips, and blotters. The more you know, the better equipped you are to determine whether your teenager is abusing drugs.
- Learn how to recognize the potential warning signs of substance abuse: changes in friends; changes in sleeping, eating or grooming habits; hypersensitivity or temper tantrums; unexplained weight loss or gain; red or watery eyes; shaking of the hands, feet, or legs,; frequent nausea or vomiting; excessive sweating; a drop in grades at school; skipping school; loss of interest in family activities previously enjoyed; an I dont care attitude; excessive need for privacy or secrecy; an unexplained need for money, or even stealing money. If you see any of these behaviors, seek professional help.
Be your childs advocate. If you believe your adolescent is using alcohol or drugs, do not let the stigma associated with substance abuse delay your decision to get help immediately. Make an appointment with a health care professional for an evaluation to determine if your child has a substance abuse problem. Together, you can decide what to do next.
