Partners in Prevention - Teen drug abuse: Help your teen avoid drug use

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, called ADHD.

• Impulsive or risk-taking behavior.

• A history of traumatic events, such as being a victim of abuse or trauma.

• Low self-esteem or feelings of social rejection.

Consequences of teen drug abuse

Negative consequences of teen drug abuse might include:

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

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

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

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

• 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.

• Substance use can result in a decline in academic performance.

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.

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.

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. For more information about how to talk to your teen about drug use, contact Randi Gabrielsen, Prevention Specialist at Havre’s HELP Committee: [email protected], 406-265-6206 ext. 307.

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Havre Public Schools and the HELP Committee and Boys & Girls Club of the Hi-Line are committed to promoting safe and healthy lifestyles to become long-lived, responsible citizens. For more information on this or related topics, contact the HELP Committee at 406-265-6206.