Source #2
0 General Document comments
0 Sentence and Paragraph comments
0 Image and Video comments
Condition Basics
What is teen substance use?
Many teens try substances like alcohol or drugs. Some try them only a few times and stop. Teens who keep using substances may form a strong need for them. This can lead to substance use disorder, Opens dialog. Substances teens may try include tobacco, alcohol, marijuana or other drugs, household products (inhalants), and prescription or over-the-counter medicines.
Why do teens use alcohol or drugs?
Teens may use alcohol or drugs for many reasons. They may do it because they:
- Want to fit in with (or may be pressured by) certain friends or groups.
- Like the way it makes them feel.
- Believe it makes them more grown up.
-
Want to escape from their problems.
For example, some teens may use drugs to try to:
- Avoid the symptoms of mental health conditions, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or depression.
- Ease feelings of insecurity.
- Forget about past trauma or abuse.
What problems can teen substance use cause?
Substance use can become a serious issue and lead to long-term problems, injury, and even death. For example:
- Alcohol and drug use is a leading cause of teen death or injury related to car crashes, suicides, violence, and drowning.
- Even occasional alcohol use by a teen increases the risk for future alcohol and drug use.
- Substance use can affect growth and development. Teens who use alcohol and drugs may have trouble finding their identity, building relationships, and preparing for their future.
- Substance use can affect memory and learning.
- Substance use can lead to unprotected sex. This increases the risk of unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), Opens dialog.
- Tobacco use can cause cancer and heart and lung problems.
- Even casual use of certain drugs can cause severe health problems, such as an overdose or brain damage. Many illegal drugs are made in home labs, so they may contain unsafe substances.
What are the signs of substance use?
Sometimes it's hard to tell if a teen is using alcohol or drugs. Experts recommend that parents look for a pattern or a number of changes, not just one or two of the changes listed here.
Signs that a teen may be using substances include a:
-
Change in appearance.
Examples include:
- Red and glassy eyes, and frequent use of eyedrops and breath mints.
- "Track marks" where drugs have been injected into veins.
- Less attention paid to dressing and grooming.
- Loss of appetite or unexplained weight loss.
-
Change in behavior.
Examples include:
- Decreased attendance and performance at school.
- Loss of interest in school, sports, or other activities.
- Repeated health complaints, such as being overly tired.
- Newly developed secrecy, or deceptive or sneaky behavior.
- Withdrawal from family and friends.
- New friends and reluctance to introduce them.
- Lying or stealing.
-
Change in attitude.
Examples include:
- Disrespectful behavior.
- A mood or attitude that is getting worse.
- Lack of concern about the future.
What can you do if you think your teen is using substances?
If your teen is using alcohol, tobacco, or other substances, take it seriously. One of the most important things you can do is to talk openly with your teen about the problem. Urge your teen to be open too.
Try not to use harsh, judging words. In most cases, an angry face-to-face meeting will push a teen away. Be as supportive as you can during this time.
If you don't know what to do or if you don't feel comfortable, ask for help. Talk to your teen's doctor, a pediatrician, a psychologist, or a psychiatrist.
What type of treatment can help a teen who is using substances?
The type of treatment your teen needs will depend on how serious and frequent the substance use is.
If your teen:
- Experiments with substances, then education through a school or community program may be all your teen needs. Some schools have programs that provide support and substance use education.
- Uses a substance at least weekly, then some form of treatment is usually needed. Treatment helps motivate the teen to stop using substances and to learn skills to refuse drugs in the future. Family counseling may also be a part of treatment.
- Has a substance use disorder, Opens dialog, then treatment in a structured program is needed. And your teen may need medical help for withdrawal symptoms.
If your teen is using tobacco, they can get help to quit. Talk to your doctor. Medicines and support can help your teen succeed.
Can teen substance use be prevented?
Teens who don't use substances are less likely to use them as adults. Efforts to prevent teen substance use should start early. Ideally, your doctor should start asking about your child's attitudes toward substances in grade school and continue the discussion over time.
To help prevent substance use:
- Talk to your child from a young age about what you expect. If your teen thinks that you'll allow substance use, they're more likely to try drugs or alcohol. Be prepared for questions about your current or past substance use.
- Keep your teen busy with meaningful activities, such as sports or other group activities.
- Expect your teen to follow household rules. Set reasonable consequences for behavior that needs to change. Then consistently carry out the consequences.
- Keep talking with your teen. Praise your teen for successes.
- Know your child's friends. Having friends who avoid tobacco, alcohol, and drugs may be the best protection from substance use.
General Document Comments 0
on the uploaded document.
0 archived comments