Drugs & Alcohol

If you are the parent of a teenage boy or girl then you understand that the lure of drugs and alcohol is all around your children. Even the parents of “good kids” who do well in school and are polite members of the family would be shocked to learn the level of exposure their children have to these substances. The information below is designed to provide parents with a starting point in their on-going mission to raise healthy, drug and alcohol-free kids.

Tips on Talking to Your Teen about Drugs and Alcohol

One of the most common misconceptions about talking to your kids about drugs and alcohol is that you have to wait until they are old enough to “handle” the seriousness of the conversation. In reality, you should be talking to your kids about these things when they are in their early teens – because by the time they reach high school they likely have already been offered a chance to use drugs and alcohol.

Tips on getting the dialogue started:

• Be honest. There’s no need to make up stories about the dangers of drugs and alcohol. This would only undercut the credibility of your talk – and anyway, the ramifications of drugs and alcohol are scary enough without embellishment.
• Tell them you care. It is important to explain to your teens that you are not trying to control their lives by having this discussion. Emphasize that you love them – and only want them to make the absolute best decisions moving forward.
• Do your homework. Take the time to read up on the most common teen drug abuse issues. This will help you hone in on the most relevant subject matter to discuss.
• Set a good example. It should be obvious, but the most effective way to create a drug-free foundation in your home is not to do them yourself. Your kids may not act like they listen to you, but everything you do sets an example and makes an impression in their young, growing minds.

Most Common Drugs Abused by Teens

So what, exactly, are you looking for? While alcohol and underage drinking remain a constant specter over families across the United States, there are currently a number of drugs more commonly abused by young people than others.

These drugs include:

• Crystal Meth
• Vicodin
• OxyContin
• Adderall
• Cocaine
• Heroin
• Ecstasy
• Marijuana

Take the time to learn more about these substances – as well as the warning signs associated with their use and abuse.

Treatment for a Teen with an Addiction

If, unfortunately, you determine that your child has a drinking problem or a drug addiction, it is imperative to get them the treatment help they need. A teen drug rehab center can help address the physical and psychological addiction to drugs or alcohol – helping the child get sober and learn to master the tools needed to stay away from teen alcoholism or teenage drug addiction. What starts with an unwanted discovery and an intervention can still end with a bright future for your child.