Teen drug abuse continues to be on the rise, and there are many common mistakes parents make that lead to their teens experimenting with, abusing and eventually becoming addicted to drugs. If you’re a parent, learning that your child is dealing with a teen drug addiction is probably something you dread, and the good news is that there are some things which you can do that can help prevent it. In this post, we will take a closer look at some of the mistakes parents make, despite their good intentions.
Teen Drug Abuse
The fact is that as many as one in ten teens is involved in some type of drug abuse, and every parent likes to believe it will never happen to their kid. You know that teens and drugs do not mix, but that doesn’t stop kids from want to experiment. All too often they cave to peer pressure and in an effort to fit in, they will try using drugs one time. Before long, that one time becomes five times, and before they know it, they’re addicted.
You can play an active role in stopping teen drug addiction in your home by changing a few things about the way you handle the subject of teens and drugs with your teenager.
Mistake #1: Parents Fail to Communicate Expectations
When the subject of their teens doing drugs come up, many parents simply brush the idea aside. After all, their teen would never think of doing drugs. Maybe you’ve thought the same thing. You raised your child the right way and you’ve given him or her everything. Why would your teen turn to drug abuse? The problem is you might not have communicated to your teen that you expect him or her to stay away from drugs, and teens that turn down drugs are the ones who know what’s expected of them.
Mistake #2: Parents Ignore Mental Health Problems
Perhaps you’ve noticed that your teen seems more distant than he once did. He used to engage with the family during family activities and he used to laugh. He doesn’t do those things anymore. You suspect there might be a mental health issue, but instead of acknowledging it and getting him the help he needs, you assume that it’s probably just a phase and he’ll outgrow it. It’s important to pay close attention if your teen is exhibiting symptoms of having a mental health problem. Anxiety and depression are often precursors to teen drug abuse.
Mistake #3: Parents Lie about Their Own Drug History
When you were a teenager, you made some bad decisions, and using drugs was one of them. When your teen asks you if you’ve ever used drugs, you feel as though you’d be setting a bad example if you admitted to it, so you tell a lie. Your teens need you to be honest with them about your drug use history. In fact, you might be able to share a story that will result in them turning down drugs when they’re offered at the next party they go to. Honesty is very important, and if you want your kids to be honest with you, it’s best to set a good example and be honest with them first.
Parenting is a big job. It’s hard, and at times you’re not sure you’re making the right decisions for your kids. That feeling becomes more intense as they grow. If you have a teen who is using drugs, teen drug abuse treatment is an excellent way to get him or her the help that’s needed to quit.
