Parenting a teenager is one of the most difficult jobs in the world. Dealing with hormones, kids asserting their independence, the love/hate relationship they have with you as a parent; it’s a lot to deal with. Unfortunately, it’s not just the everyday challenges that we have to worry about these days. There were over 2.8 million new users of illicit drugs in 2013, which amounts to about 7,800 new people every day. Over half (54.1 percent) of these were under 18 years of age. The good news is that there are things parents can do to prevent teenage alcohol or drug use before it starts. The following are some common mistakes parents can avoid.
Failing to outline expectations. Make it clear how you feel about drug use, even before your kids reach their teenage years. You can share your own experiences or those of people you’ve known, but don’t go for scare tactics, as these aren’t terribly effective on teens.
Ignoring mental health problems. Whether you’re in denial or genuinely don’t recognize that it’s more than normal teenage angst, it’s important to pay attention to signs of potential mental disorder. Anxiety, depression, and stress are just a few of the leading causes of drug use in teenagers.
Thinking experimentation is no big deal. The truth is that depending on the drug and the genetic makeup of a person, even a single use can send someone down the path toward addiction. Not to mention that an intoxicated teenager is at risk for car accidents, sexual assault, and other dangers.
Not talking openly about your own drug use. Again, if you had bad experiences, you can share them, but don’t go for the scare. If you mostly look back on your drug-using days with fondness, however, be careful not to glorify them.
Setting a bad example. You might think your teen doesn’t pay much attention to you, but they are watching. If you’re doing drugs or drinking heavily at home, your child is going to get the impression that it’s perfectly fine for them to do so as well.
Being judgmental. If anything, trying to come across as a moral authority is going to make your teen feel defensive. They’re more likely to try drugs just to spite you.
Not keeping your alcohol and medications somewhere inaccessible. Most teenagers don’t get their drugs from dealers on the streets but from their friends or your medicine cabinet.
Putting off getting help if you think your teen does have a problem. Whether you’re clinging to the hope that things will get better on their own or you’re just too embarrassed to talk to someone, the best thing you can do is talk to a professional. Whether it’s your family doctor, a therapist, or an addiction specialist, just reach out.
If you or a loved one need help with quitting drugs or alcohol, consider Asana Recovery. We offer medical detox, along with both residential and outpatient programs, and you’ll be supervised by a highly trained staff of medical professionals, counselors, and therapists. Call us any time at (949) 438-4504 to get started.
