Some Facts About Teen Drug Abuse

How to talk to your kids about drugs

Substance abuse among teenagers is very common; which can lead to disastrous consequences in the future. A large proportion of deaths in people aged between 15 and 24 are reportedly connected in some way or the other to drug or alcohol abuse. This kind of abuse also leads to violent criminal acts like assault, murder or rape. Some teens abuse drugs to overcome depression and anxiety.

If a young member of your family suddenly starts behaving in an aberrant manner or tries to keep aloof from other family members, you have reasons to be suspicious. Physical signs like red eyes, nagging cough and changes in eating & sleeping habits serve as warning signals. A teenager with a family history of drug abuse and a lack of social skills can move rapidly from the level of experimentation to grave abuse or dependency. Some other teens, who have no family history, may also reach the level of utter dependency. The user's preoccupation with drugs, plus its effects on mood and performance, can lead to poor performance in schools, colleges or workplaces, resulting in dismissal. A child's substance abuse can devastate parents and other family members; ruining family life.

DFPA designed a program ‘Straight talk for parents’ to educate you about emerging medication trends, signs and symptoms of kid’s substance abuse. We assist you in developing communication skills to speak and listen to your children about drug abuse. We are raising awareness in changing behaviors of your kids with clarity, communication, consistency and caring. You can also visit us at www.straighttalkforparents.drugfreepa.org 

Talking to Your Kids About Drug Addiction

Parents have a lot of responsibilities and the most important is to ensure that communication about difficult subjects like substance abuse, alcohol, smoking etc should occur. The easy access to street drugs makes it crucial that you are able to provide the environment to talk that will protect your child from using illicit substances. Following are some tips on how to talk to kids about drugs:

Start Early: Unfortunately children are exposed to the idea of alcohol or smoking through movies, technology and media. Sometimes the lives of people who children view as "heroes" in society are using drugs and their behaviors can easily be misinterpreted as being acceptable. The easy availability has also allowed even elementary kids to have access to them. The best thing to do is to being talking about choices when children are young rather than waiting until they are in high school and might actually be facing problems.

Know the Resources & Help your Child: There are several ways that you can gain knowledge and support regarding these harmful substances. The internet is a good place to get information and it will also provide you with a number of local organizations that provide individual or group training opportunities as well as support. 

Develop Strategies: Peer pressure is a very powerful thing and children often do what others suggest out of fear or because they want to be accepted. It is therefore important that you help your child to think of ways to say "no" and have other options available to them. Role-play conversations with them and ensure that they have resources available to call on when they are needed.

Visit at www.straighttalkforparents.drugfreepa.org/; Drug Free Pennsylvania’s program ‘Straight talk for parents’ is educating parents about signs, symptoms and facts of teenage substance abuse. We assist you in the development of communication skills to speak and listen to your children about substance abuse. We organize various events and seminars to raise awareness and promote a healthy environment. Join DFPA to learn conversation starters to foster a healthy and meaningful conversation with your kid.