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Young People and Drugs

Most young people don't use drugs: 76% of young people aged 11-15 say they have never taken drugs.

The likelihood of pupils having ever taken drugs increases with age, from 11% of 11 year olds to 37% of 15 year olds.

An estimated 580,000 secondary school aged pupils in England (18%) took at least one drug last year. Excluding nitrous oxide and new psychoactive substances, this figure drops to 15%.

Cannabis is the most widely used illegal drug, with 8% of secondary school pupils saying they took the drug in the last year, and 14% of 16 to 19 year olds. Use of Class A drugs such as heroin and cocaine is very uncommon.

The most recent drug use survey includes new data on nitrous oxide and new psychoactive substances (NPS): in the last year, only 4% of pupils said they had used nitrous oxide, and 2% used NPS.

You can make a big difference to the decisions that young people make about drugs, particularly if you:

Listen to your children

Encourage independence

Place limits, consequences and expectations on your children's behaviour and administer fair and consistent discipline

Are nurturing and express warmth to, and about, your children

Encourage your children to express their opinions and discuss their options in their lives

If you are worried your child may be drinking or taking drugs:

Pick your time to talk - not when they're rushing off to school or, if they are using, when they're high.

Know their friends - peer pressure is one of the most influential factors affecting young people's alcohol consumption. Children whose friends drink alcohol are five times more likely to drink than those whose friends do not.

Be a good role model - though it may not always seem like it, children look to their parents and carers for guidance and you shouldn't underestimate your influence. 11 year olds whose mothers drink heavily are 80% more likely to develop problematic drinking habits than those whose mothers don't drink heavily.

Encourage them to talk honestly - not just to tell you what you what they think you want to hear.

Don't panic - if your child has tried drugs, be calm when discussing it with them. Show love and concern rather than anger.

NPS (Legal Highs)

New psychoactive substances or NPS (formerly known as "legal highs") are a group of drugs designed to bypass the former legislative controls of illegal drugs.

In May 2016 the Psychoactive Substances Act came into effect, banning all non-exempt psychoactive substances. For helpful myth-busting information on what "legal highs" are, and what the new law means for your child, click here.

Advice on Alcohol

More and more young people are choosing not to drink alcohol or are waiting until they are older. The latest figures show only 10% of 11-15 year olds drank in the last week. However, those who do drink are drinking a lot more than 10 years ago. For some of them, "drinking alcohol" may equal "getting drunk."

Where do they get alcohol from? In 2016, 28% of pupils aged 11-15 in England said that they had obtained alcohol in the last four weeks. The most common ways of obtaining alcohol were: to be given it by parents or guardians (70%), given it by friends (54%), to take it from home with permission (41%), or to ask someone else to buy it (35%).

If and when those 11-15 year olds drank alcohol, they were most likely to do so in their own home (62%), at parties with friends (43%), someone else's home (41%), or somewhere outside (13%).

For more detailed information on young people's drinking and drug use, see the most recent survey on Smoking, Drinking and Drug Use Among Young People in England.

Good reasons not to drink

When talking to your child, stay away from scare tactics. Most young teens are aware that many people drink without problems, so it is important to discuss the consequences of alcohol without overstating the case.

Some good reasons why teens should not drink:

You want your child to avoid alcohol: Clearly state your own expectations about your child's drinking. Your values and attitudes count with your child, even though he or she may not always show it.

To maintain self-respect: Teens say the best way to persuade them to avoid alcohol is to appeal to their self-respect. Let them know that they are too smart and have too much going for them to need the crutch of alcohol. Teens also are likely to pay attention to examples of how alcohol might lead to embarrassing situations or events - things that might damage their self-respect or alter important relationships.

Better exam results: Drinking once or twice a week has been associated with scores around 20 points lower at GCSE (equivalent to 3 grades, or the difference between an A and a D in one subject); and drinking on most days may mean 80 points lower scores (equivalent to 13 grades) (National Centre for Social Research 2010).

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Get the facts about young people and drugs - Mentor UK

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Most young people don't use drugs: 76% of young people aged 11-15 say they have never taken drugs. The likelihood of pupils having ever taken drugs increases with age, from 11% of 11 year olds to 37% of 15 year olds. An estimated 580,000 secondary school aged pupils in England (18%) took at least one drug last year.

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This is one of the most commonly used drugs that not many people look over very well.

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Marijuana is a controversial drug that has been around for decades in American culture. Over recent years, marijuana has become increasingly available due to changes in its legal status. There are also raging debates surrounding its potential medicinal value, its harmful qualities, and its addictive properties. While marijuana may not be lethal, its impact on an addict can be seriously damaging.

History/Prevalence of Marijuana Use

The hemp plant has been used in societies for centuries. Its plant produces flowers and leaves which were highly valued for their use in products like rope, sails, and clothing. In the early 20th century, however, an influx of Mexican immigrants brought the recreational use of marijuana (also made from the hemp plant) to American shores. Since then, marijuana has become one of the most widely used substances in the country ¹.

Marijuana use is extremely common and there is some difficulty differentiating between casual users and those who may have an addiction. The reason for this is that marijuana does not, generally speaking, carry the same consequences used as a measuring tool for addictions. That is, marijuana users are usually less likely to seek recovery and almost never die from overdose.

In America, usage from ages 18-49 is the highest, with roughly 50% of that population reporting having smoked marijuana. The greatest concentration of heavy users is found in the 18-25 year old demographic. White people consume greater amounts of marijuana than any other demographic, with 76% of all marijuana users being white, while only 20% are Hispanics or African-American. Asians are the least likely to use marijuana, at only about 16% ². Marijuana is also favored by males over females, with males reporting marijuana use at 45%, with females only at 36% ³.

As you can see, marijuana use is extremely widespread and covers pretty much all demographics, to some degree. There has also been difficulty in statistically linking marijuana use to any other significant lifestyle indicators. For instance, there seems to be a positive correlation between unmarried adults and marijuana usage, but relatively little else. There is a great disparity among marijuana users when it comes to living arrangements, job stability, and income. This would seem to suggest that marijuana users are not homogenous, and therefore marijuana addiction can be difficult to predict or categorize ⁴.

Symptoms and Signs of Marijuana Use

Marijuana contains a drug called THC, which is responsible for its impact on the user. Depending upon the route of administration, a marijuana "high" can take effect either immediately (if smoked) or up to an hour later (if eaten). The effects of being high on marijuana are distinct and noticeable. A person who has recently used marijuana will likely display:

Shallow breathing.

Red eyes and dilated pupils.

Dry mouth or constantly complaining of feeling thirsty.

Increased appetite (colloquially referred to as the "munchies")

Slowed reaction time.

Distorted sense of time (losing track of time, general forgetfulness)

Susceptibility to laughing fits and general euphoria⁵.

Marijuana also has a distinct odor. The smoke is distinctly musky, and often compared with the scent of a skunk. Like cigarettes, the smoke will cling to the area in which it was smoke and also to the clothing of the user.

Typical Cost to Marijuana Addict

Due to recent changes in U.S. legislature, prices can vary greatly for marijuana. For instance, in an area where marijuana is legal, a user can often purchase their daily supply for around $20. If marijuana is illegal, prices can be inflated up to 5 times that amount due to the complexities and fluctuations of the illegal drug market. However, because marijuana is such an omnipresent substance, prices are rarely prohibitive, and many users will have surrounded themselves with fellow users with whom they can share the financial burdens of their shared habit ⁶.

On the other hand, marijuana has an action on the brain which impairs judgment and creates distorted thinking. While most of the correlation between marijuana use and crime is accounted for by drug-related offenses like possession, there is also a connection between marijuana and unrelated offenses. That is, studies show that in the case of violent crime, there is a significant connection between marijuana use and arrests ⁷.

While marijuana may have a relatively low impact on an addict's life when compared to other illicit substances, it still takes a significant toll. When combining the risks of prohibition-related offenses and the proclivity towards violent crime, marijuana addicts are quite likely to suffer legal consequences. While many moderate users can maintain homes, families, and jobs, at a certain point, the costs will begin to add up.

Effect on the Marijuana Addict

Because marijuana has long been a misunderstood drug with a checkered past in this country, reliable studies are still emerging on both the short-term and long-term dangers of the drug.

The primary action of THC on the brain, in the short-term, is to over-stimulate the areas of the brain which respond naturally to THC-like chemicals produced by the body. When these areas are activated, people experience the "high" of the drug, which includes alteration of the senses, changes in mood, impaired motor skills, difficulty with thinking, problem-solving, and memory.

The primary concern with long-term marijuana abuse is in the area of brain development. Many of the short-term effects, studies have concluded, seem to extend into the long-term and may even become irreversible. A study in New Zealand showed that users who smoked heavily in their teens lost an average of 8 IQ points between ages 18-38. This hampered brain functioning did not recover when they eventually overcame their addiction.

Marijuana can also produce psychosomatic disorders after prolonged use. These issues include hallucinations, paranoia, and exacerbating the symptoms of schizophrenia.

In addition to its impact on the brain, marijuana also poses dangers to the body. Marijuana smoke causes lung irritation which can lead to many of the same respiratory complications as smoking cigarettes, including frequent lung illness, chronic cough, and a higher risk for lung infection. Since marijuana also increases the heart rate, it can be particularly threatening to older people and those with pre-existing heart conditions.

Permanence and Relapse

Compared with other hard drugs, marijuana is relatively new to recovery circles. For many years, the myth that "marijuana isn't addictive" permeated society and even affected those engaged in recovery. Now, however, as the strength of marijuana on the market has increased significantly, and people are more frequently seeking recovery for addiction, it is finally starting to be recognized as a dangerous and addictive drug ⁸.

As such, studies are still emerging in regard to relapse rates and permanence among marijuana users. It does seem to be a fact, however, that relapse is primarily linked to the difficulty of withdrawal. Because withdrawal can be a lengthy and uncomfortable process, most addicts who attempt to detox themselves without support will give in to the craving to use. To complicate this process, most marijuana addicts have extensive connections throughout the illicit drug community in their area, which allows them to easily acquire more of the substance if they should choose to give up and relapse.

In order to combat this, it is often vital that an addict be surrounded by people who are encouraging and supporting his new abstinence from the drug. Their support will often be necessary in guiding the addict through the discomfort associated with withdrawal.

Detox

Marijuana withdrawal is one of the most mild detoxes among addictive drugs. Typical symptoms will include negative mood, irritability, anxiety, muscle pain, chills, loss of appetite, insomnia, and craving. Many of these symptoms are common to withdrawal from basically any addictive substance and, while uncomfortable, will very likely not require medical attention ⁹.

The most important element of detox from marijuana is addressing the cravings, which can likely become overwhelming in the early stages of withdrawal. For this reason, placing an addict in a safe space with watchful people is important. This can include being at home with supportive friends or family or may require a more strictly controlled setting like a rehab or hospital.

Physical/Mental Difficulty of Recovery

Marijuana is a highly addictive substance, particularly in individuals who have been using large amounts over many years. In addition to its addictive properties, marijuana is rapidly becoming more available, through legalization campaigns throughout the country. The combination of craving and easy access make marijuana recovery quite difficult, even though the physical hook is not quite as strong as drugs like heroin or alcohol.

Recovery protocols for marijuana recovery typically indicate behavioral therapies. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and motivational enhancement (MET) interventions are the most widely utilized strategies. The goal of these therapies is to change the way an addict thinks and behaves. These recoverys have also been shown to increase in effectiveness if combined with family support and a community-based support group. Many religious groups or 12-step programs offer these sorts of support services.

Marijuana is a drug which affects all aspects of an addict's life. Therefore, the broader and more inclusive the recovery plan, the greater the likelihood of success in recovery from marijuana addiction.

American Rehab Centers recommends Adult & Teen Challenge rehabs for recovery from marijuana addiction due to the length of time these programs give to addicts to allow them to get past their addiction. With the craving for cocaine lasting several months past the last use, it takes a good year of abstinence in a controlled environment for an addict to get past the addiction to marijuana. Most other rehab programs are not able to give that much time and attention to the addict or are too costing for most people to afford over an extended period of time.

PBS. "Marijuana Timeline". http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/dope/etc/cron.html

² NORML. "Who Are You? US Government Statistics on Adult Marijuana Users". April 2009. Russ Belville. http://blog.norml.org/2009/04/10/who-are-you-us-government-statistics-on-adult-marijuana-users/

³ National Survey on Drug Use and Health. "Ever Used Marijuana by..." 2007. http://www.icpsr.umich.edu/quicktables/quickoptions.do

⁴ U.S. National Library of Medicine. "Demographic and health characteristics of heavy marijuana smokers in Los Angeles County." 1991. Bourque LB, Tashkin DP, Clark VA, Schuler R. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1959998

⁵ WebMD. "How Does Marijuana Affect You?". http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/marijuana-use-and-its-effects#2

⁶ Mary Jane's Diary. "How Much Does Weed Cost?". June 2016. http://maryjanesdiary.com/how-much-does-weed-cost/

⁷ National Bureau of Economic Research. "Marijuana and Crime: Is there a Connection Beyond Prohibition?". October 2003. Rosalie Liccardo Pacula, Beau Kilmer. http://www.nber.org/papers/w10046

⁸ U.S. National Library of Medicine. "Marijuana Neurobiology and Recovery". Dec 2008. Ahmed Elkashef, MD, Frank Vocci, PhD, Marilyn Huestis, PhD, Margaret Haney, PhD, Alan Budney, PhD, Amanda Gruber, PhD, and Nady el-Guebaly, MD. Pg. 22

⁹ U.S. National Library of Medicine. "Marijuana Neurobiology and Recovery". Dec 2008. Ahmed Elkashef, MD, Frank Vocci, PhD, Marilyn Huestis, PhD, Margaret Haney, PhD, Alan Budney, PhD, Amanda Gruber, PhD, and Nady el-Guebaly, MD. Pg. 20 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2597384/

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Marijuana is a controversial drug that has been around for decades in American culture. Over recent years, marijuana has become increasingly available due to changes in its legal status. There are also raging debates surrounding its potential medicinal value, its harmful qualities, and its addictive properties.

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Shows how vaping effects people on social media.

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Introduction This study documented images posted on Instagram of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarette) and vaping (activity associated with e-cigarette use). Although e-cigarettes have been studied on Twitter, few studies have focused on Instagram, despite having 500 million users. Instagram's emphasis on images warranted investigation of e-cigarettes, as past tobacco industry strategies demonstrated that images could be used to mislead in advertisements, or normalise tobacco-related behaviours. Findings should prove informative to tobacco control policies in the future.

Methods 3 months of publicly available data were collected from Instagram, including images and associated metadata (n=2208). Themes of images were classified as (1) activity, for example, a person blowing vapour; (2) product, for example, a personal photo of an e-cigarette device; (3) advertisement; (4) text, for example, 'meme' or image containing mostly text and (5) other. User endorsement (likes) of each type of image was recorded. Caption text was analysed to explore different trends in vaping and e-cigarette-related text.

Results Analyses found that advertisement-themed images were most common (29%), followed by product (28%), and activity (18%). Likes were more likely to accompany activity and product-themed images compared with advertisement or text-themed images (p<0.01). Vaping-related text greatly outnumbered e-cigarette-related text in the image captions.

Conclusions Instagram affords its users the ability to post images of e-cigarette-related behaviours and gives advertisers the opportunity to display their product. Future research should incorporate novel data streams to improve public health surveillance, survey development and educational campaigns.

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Vaping on Instagram: cloud chasing, hand checks and product placement

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Introduction This study documented images posted on Instagram of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarette) and vaping (activity associated with e-cigarette use). Although e-cigarettes have been studied on Twitter, few studies have focused on Instagram, despite having 500 million users.

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Shows how teens act when using drugs also gives ways to help.

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Teens are misusing drugs and alcohol at younger and younger ages. Parents are often unaware that it's begun, since the warning signs of teen drug use can take time to appear. The physical, emotional and behavioral changes come on gradually.

Consider that whatever you are aware of is probably the tip of the iceberg with your teenager. Even if your teen or young Adult finally admits that he or she is using, you're not getting the whole story. What sounds like experimentation may be a habit. Not every teen who uses becomes a full-blown addict. Some turn things around on their own, while others are mired deeper and deeper in addiction. There's no way to know, until you know. You don't want to take that chance, so recognizing the signs and acting on that knowledge is crucial.

Keep in mind that drug use is often the symptom you see for an underlying issue. Many teens are struggling with anxiety, depression, isolation, social and academic pressures, low self-esteem, social media/gaming, and family issues (such as divorce, illness and addiction). It's no wonder that some turn to drugs and alcohol to numb their feelings and find acceptance.

Well-informed and observant parents can make a big difference in catching this early. Intervention is prevention, so here are warning signs of teen drug use to pay attention to:

PHYSICAL EVIDENCE OF TEEN DRUG USE

There is a world of paraphernalia out there (and hidden in your home). If you have suspicions, be on the lookout for butane lighters, baggies, roach clips, bongs, crumpled balls of tin foil (and check for resin/residue).

Visine is their go-to for bloodshot eyes, which is among the first signs of using (often for marijuana). Many carry Visine in a pocket, glove compartment or purse. Yes, remember to check the car.

The odor! Most know what alcohol and pot smell like. Don't be fooled when your teen tells you that you are just smelling incense or even cigarette smoke. Kids will use other smoke to cover up the smell of pot. If they have suddenly grown interested in burning incense in their room, it is most likely to cover up the smell of pot.

Have pills, alcohol and other drugs gone missing? This is an easy way for kids to begin experimenting - with substances they find in their own, or someone else's, home. When a toddler swallows them, it's accidental. When a teen takes them, it's intentional. Keep them out of reach by locking them up.

Notice their body. The effects of drugs and alcohol have noticeable physical effects. Marijuana may cause sudden weight gain because it increases appetite and decreases activity levels. Cocaine and crack can cause sudden weight loss.

Meth causes tooth decay, sores, insomnia, sallow skin color, constipation and paranoia. And look out for a change in the smell of their breath.

CHANGES IN BEHAVIOR

You know your child and his habits and performance best. One of the first things you may notice is that motivation, physical appearance, and grades are affected. Apathy about schoolwork sets in or increases. Pay attention to this sign. Something else is going on, whether it's a real academic challenge or an emotional struggle.

Does your child have new friends? Is he hanging around with the unmotivated kids with a bad reputation? Take note. He is gravitating to the kids with low-to-no expectations of him. If he's using drugs with them, he is following their lead in order to fit in. When a teen is feeling insecure and lonely, all he wants is to belong somewhere, where there is no pressure. This group welcomes him, no questions asked. They all have something in common.

A using teen will avoid family activities. Whether it's family gatherings, dinner out, or the movies, your child prefers, insists on staying in their room, door closed. Your teen is withdrawn and uncommunicative. There might as well be a sign on the door - Stay Out! Don't Pay Attention to Me! Combined with other evidence and behavior changes, this is actually an invitation for you to intervene. Your teen will deny it, but it is a call for help. They can't fix themselves.

Your child may also be irritable and have violent outbursts. You may be surprised at his reaction when you make a simple request or offer a benign comment. He is highly emotional and unpredictable. Yelling, breaking things, punching holes in the wall, and storming out of the house are not uncommon reactions.

She's neglecting her appearance. Notice changes in hygiene and dress. Wearing dirty clothes and being apathetic about bathing, skin, and hair are signs of poor self-image.

FINANCIAL CONCERNS (theirs and yours)

Missing money. When you notice money is missing from your wallet, start keeping track. Drugs and alcohol cost money, which most teens don't have. Your child will tell you that you're crazy, just imagining it, or that you spent it yourself. Not wanting to believe their child is stealing from them, most parents will second-guess themselves. This is called denial. When you are in denial, you contribute to your child's addiction.

The 'cheap highs'. Huffing is an inexpensive way to get high with products found at home. Common among younger teens, inhalants come in third behind alcohol and tobacco as the most used substances. Inhalants (found in spray cans) include air freshener, whipped cream, spray paint and hairspray. They contain butane or toluene, which can cause serious damage to the brain, bone marrow, kidneys and liver. Other cheap highs come from glue, paint thinners and markers. All of them can be deadly.

What do you do when you see multiple warning signs of teen drug use? First, you document what you have seen and heard. Remember that your child will deny it all so you'll leave him alone and he can continue to use, and that there is likely something else going on that needs attention, intervention and/or recovery. It's your job to be an observer and have the facts so you can get help if it's needed.

What does that help look like? There are many professionals and resources who want to support your family when you suspect drug and alcohol misuse/abuse: guidance counselor, student assistance counselor, police liaison to the school (SRO - Student Resource Officer). They can refer you to therapists, drug counselors, a substance abuse assessment, recovery facilities, recovery coaches, therapeutic boarding schools, wilderness programs and more. There is a huge network to help you tackle this as a family.

The more you know, the sooner you can catch it. Pay attention to the warning signs of teen drug use. Through the anger, denial and pain, your child is counting on you to have your eyes wide open.

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Teens are misusing drugs and alcohol at younger and younger ages. Parents are often unaware that it's begun, since the warning signs of teen drug use can take time to appear. The physical, emotional and behavioral changes come on gradually. Consider that whatever you are aware of is probably the tip of the iceberg with your teenager.

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More than 60 percent of teens said that drugs were sold, used, or kept at their school.

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Steps to help parents find out drug abuse problems in teens.

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Steps to help parents find out drug abuse problems in teens.

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1. Love and affectionate as the child grows.
2. Consistent and fair discipline.
3. Open channels of communication for thoughts and feelings.
4. Opportunities for successful experiences at home and in school.
5. A stable family atmosphere (family time together, family rituals).
6. Tolerance of the child's mistakes (no put-downs).
7. Models of strong, thoughtful and feeling adults.
8. Accurate information about the problems of growing up today (sexuality, drugs, crime, etc.)

There is NOTHING more important in preventing drug abuse than spending time with your children. Take time to do what they enjoy, to share some skills, to build family rituals and rapport.

What else can be done? Educate yourself, have enough facts to clarify your point of view, and talk to your children. Unfortunately, many parents wait until after their children are involved with drugs or alcohol to sit down with them and talk. Don't make this discussion a onetime thing; children and teenagers need to be constantly reminded of where their parents stand. They also need parents who will listen without being critical and without over reacting.

Finally, your attitude and use of drugs (including alcohol and tobacco) will influence your children. Children learn more by watching what their parents do than they learn by what their parents say. Children need models of strong, responsible adults who are aware of their own chemical use. One reason we're seeing younger and younger children use alcohol and drugs is that they are "second generation" users, simply modeling their parents behavior.

Zero tolerance for drug/alcohol use in our children and teenagers is the most reasonable stance for their long-term well being. Part of prevention is taking reasonable action at the earliest possible time. This means a parent should be vigilant to the subtle signs and symptoms as discussed in the preceding article and take immediate action when use is suspected.

Common drugs of abuse By far, the three most common drugs of abuse for teens are cigarettes, alcohol and marijuana. If that isn't bad enough, use of all three substances nearly triples from junior high to high school. Even worse, adolescents with ADHD have an approximately 35 percent greater likelihood of becoming involved with illicit substances. As parents of children with ADHD the more knowledge you have the more you can help your child in both a preventative and treatment manner.

According to statistics, about one in four adolescents report being a current smoker. Boys and girls reported similar frequency of use. Regular alcohol use is reported less frequently than regular cigarette use. Slightly less than one in five adolescents say they drink alcohol (including beer and wine) more than one time per month. Almost 10 percent admitted to drinking at least once per week. The highest levels of alcohol use are found among youth living in the suburbs. Approximately 25 percent of all adolescents report having smoked marijuana at least once in their lives and about 19 percent report using one or more times in the previous month. Approximately one in five teenagers report regular use of marijuana.

Figures indicate alcohol use is sometimes tolerated by parents, especially those of older teens. If that's the case, parents should think again! In small doses, like all depressants, alcohol has a calming effect but long-term heavy use affects the liver, muscles, bonus, digestive tract, heart and brain. For some, alcohol can provide an easy escape from dealing with boredom, fears, depression, symptoms of ADHD, and frustration. The major problem with alcohol, however, is that teenagers and alcohol don't mix. Impulsive and easily influenced by their peers, teenagers often underestimate the seriousness of driving while intoxicated. They are inexperienced as to how alcohol affects perception, coordination and judgment.

​One quarter of all young people have reported smoking marijuana at least once. Long-term studies indicate marijuana can cause serious physical and mental problems. Of particular concern are the effects of marijuana on young people who smoke while their bodies and minds are still rapidly developing. Marijuana, like alcohol, can affect a person's memory, driving ability and school performance. It is particularly dangerous for an impulsive teenager to be using marijuana. Would you care if you found out that the driver of car you were riding in was high on marijuana? What about your son or daughter?

Steps to solving a drug problem:

1. Identify the problem in your home. If you are unsure, but suspect of a problem, consult a trusted professional. It is often difficult to tell if a teenager is abusing substances. We have seen families where the parents were medical professionals, yet a substantial alcohol/drug problem was completely missed.

2. Talk with your teenager about your concerns. Listen to what he or she has to say. Your teenager may become very angry, defensive, noncommunicative, hostile or disgusted. Don't be intimidated. Most teenagers when confronted will deny or grossly minimize a problem. If your teenager refuses to talk about a drug problem and you are still concerned you must act because a teenager with a drug problem won't take the first step. Take your teenager to a trusted professional (physician, psychologist, etc.) for an assessment. Your actions must convince your child that you mean business.

3. Put your plans into action! Firm rules must be set. As a parent, you need to recognize you can't stop your adolescent from using drugs if they really want to. However, you can control drug usage in some environments (like your home) and you can be a major reason for their deciding to stop using drugs. Research clearly shows parent/family connectedness and parental presence (before school, after school, dinner and bedtime) are definite protective factors in the use of alcohol and drugs.

Finally, because drug usage is often a complex problem, many parents find outside professional support is essential. Trained and experienced family physicians or psychologists in the treatment of teenage substance use are the best sources of help. Though the road to success and drug-free living is sometimes painfully long and difficult, we have personally witnessed many successes.
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1. Love and affectionate as the child grows.2. Consistent and fair discipline.3. Open channels of communication for thoughts and feelings.4. Opportunities for successful experiences at home and in school.5. A stable family atmosphere (family time together, family rituals).6. Tolerance of the child's mistakes (no put-downs).7. Models of strong, thoughtful and feeling adults.8.

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Recovery website with real video recorded stories.

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Recovery website with real video recorded stories.

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Stories of teens who used drugs in their younger years.

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Overcoming Drug & Alcohol Problems Among Teens

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Learn about problems with drugs or alcohol and options for treatment and recovery. Hear from people who took control of substance use in their teens.

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Teen drug abuse: Help your teen avoid drugs

Teen drug abuse can have a major impact on your child's life. Find out how to help your teen make healthy choices and avoid using drugs.
By Mayo Clinic Staff
Teens who experiment with drugs put their health and safety at risk. Help prevent teen drug abuse by talking to your teen about the consequences of using drugs and the importance of making healthy choices.

Why teens use or misuse drugs

Various factors can contribute to teen drug use and misuse. First-time use often occurs in social settings with easily accessible substances, such as alcohol and cigarettes.

Continued use might be a result of insecurities or a desire for social acceptance. Teens may feel indestructible and might not consider the consequences of their actions, leading them to take dangerous risks with drugs.

Common risk factors for teen drug abuse include:

A family history of substance abuse

A mental or behavioral health condition, such as depression, anxiety or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Impulsive or risk-taking behavior

A history of traumatic events, such as experiencing a car accident or being a victim of abuse

Low self-esteem or feelings of social rejection

Consequences of teen drug abuse

Negative consequences of teen drug abuse might include:

Drug dependence. Teens who misuse drugs are at increased risk of serious drug use later in life.

Poor judgment. Teenage drug use is associated with poor judgment in social and personal interactions.

Sexual activity. Drug use is associated with high-risk sexual activity, unsafe sex and unplanned pregnancy.

Mental health disorders. Drug use can complicate or increase the risk of mental health disorders, such as depression and anxiety.

Impaired driving. Driving under the influence of any drug can impair a driver's motor skills, putting the driver, passengers and others on the road at risk.

Changes in school performance. Substance use can result in a decline in academic performance.

Health effects of drugs

Drug use can result in drug addiction, serious impairment, illness and death. Health risks of commonly used drugs include the following:

Cocaine - Risk of heart attack, stroke and seizures

Ecstasy - Risk of liver failure and heart failure

Inhalants - Risk of damage to heart, lungs, liver and kidneys from long-term use

Marijuana - Risk of impairment in memory, learning, problem solving and concentration; risk of psychosis - such as schizophrenia, hallucination or paranoia - later in life associated with early and frequent use

Methamphetamine - Risk of psychotic behaviors from long-term use or high doses

Opioids - Risk of respiratory distress or death from overdose

Electronic cigarettes (vaping) - Exposure to harmful substances similar to exposure from cigarette smoking; risk of nicotine dependence

Talking about teen drug use

You'll likely have multiple conversations with your teen about drug and alcohol use. Choose times when you're unlikely to be interrupted - and set aside phones. It's also important to know when not to have a conversation, such as when you're angry with your child, you aren't prepared to answer questions, or your child is drunk or high.

To talk to your teen about drugs:

Ask your teen's views. Avoid lectures. Instead, listen to your teen's opinions and questions about drugs. Assure your teen that he or she can be honest with you.

Discuss reasons not to use drugs. Avoid scare tactics. Emphasize how drug use can affect the things that are important to your teen - such as sports, driving, health and appearance.

Consider media messages. Social media, television programs, movies and songs can glamorize or trivialize drug use. Talk about what your teen sees and hears.

Discuss ways to resist peer pressure. Brainstorm with your teen about how to turn down offers of drugs.

Be ready to discuss your own drug use. Think about how you'll respond if your teen asks about your own drug use. If you chose not to use drugs, explain why. If you did use drugs, share what the experience taught you.

Other preventive strategies

Consider other strategies to prevent teen drug abuse:

Know your teen's activities. Pay attention to your teen's whereabouts. Find out what adult-supervised activities your teen is interested in and encourage him or her to get involved.

Establish rules and consequences. Explain your family rules, such as leaving a party where drug use occurs and not riding in a car with a driver who's been using drugs. If your teen breaks the rules, consistently enforce consequences.

Know your teen's friends. If your teen's friends use drugs, your teen might feel pressure to experiment, too.

Keep track of prescription drugs. Take an inventory of all prescription and over-the-counter medications in your home.

Provide support. Offer praise and encouragement when your teen succeeds. A strong bond between you and your teen might help prevent your teen from using drugs.

Set a good example. If you drink, do so in moderation. Use prescription drugs as directed. Don't use illicit drugs.

Recognizing the warning signs of teen drug abuse

Be aware of possible red flags, such as:

Sudden or extreme change in friends, eating habits, sleeping patterns, physical appearance, coordination or school performance

Irresponsible behavior, poor judgment and general lack of interest

Breaking rules or withdrawing from the family

The presence of medicine containers, despite a lack of illness, or drug paraphernalia in your teen's room

Seeking help for teen drug abuse

If you suspect or know that your teen is experimenting with or misusing drugs:

Talk to him or her. You can never intervene too early. Casual drug use can turn into excessive use or addiction and cause accidents, legal trouble and health problems.

Encourage honesty. Speak calmly and express that you are coming from a place of concern. Share specific details to back up your suspicion. Verify any claims he or she makes.

Focus on the behavior, not the person. Emphasize that drug use is dangerous but that doesn't mean your teen is a bad person.

Check in regularly. Spend more time with your teen, know your teen's whereabouts, and ask questions after he or she returns home.

Get professional help. If you think your teen is involved in significant drug use, contact a doctor, counselor or other health care provider for help.

It's never too soon to start talking to your teen about drug abuse. The conversations you have today can help your teen make healthy choices in the future.

See more In-depth

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Teen drug abuse: Help your teen avoid drugs

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Teen drug abuse can have a major impact on your child's life. Find out how to help your teen make healthy choices and avoid using drugs. By Mayo Clinic Staff Teens who experiment with drugs put their health and safety at risk.

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Hodgin, Kristen "Re: Teen Drug Addiction." Received by Taylor Burruss 18 February, 2019.'