Drug and alcohol abuse among youth

1. Drug and Alcohol Abuse Among Youth Most drug and alcohol abuse cases start at an impressionable age when people are young. Be it peer pressure or an attempt to garner attention, school and college kids take to drugs and alcohol with an equal fervor like any adult. Parents, guardians, and relatives are a worried lot when it comes to keeping them away from such perils. So, are you a parent of a teen and worried about guarding your child against abusing drugs? Then take heart. A 2014 monitoring the future (MTF) survey revealed that this trend is gradually fading among 8th to 12th grader Americans with a growing disinterest in abusing drugs or alcohol. There is also a significant decline in the use of prescribed pain relievers, marijuana, inhalants, synthetic drugs, K2/Spice and bath salts. A visit to drug and alcohol abuse treatment centers can easily validate the findings of the survey. This is some overwhelming news for parents. However, there is also a side effect these with a rising concern over the use of e-cigarettes among youth. Landing up in drug centers excessive use of e-cigarettes is the last thing anybody would want. Although no cases have to all rehab for come to light so far to corroborate such apprehension. Why do youngsters abuse drugs Understanding why the youngs take to drugs is a very intricate subject which is contributed by several factors. These could be: 1. Aggressive behavior during childhood 2. Low self-esteem and lack of encouragement 3. Family history of addicts

2. 4. A mental condition like depression, anxiety or ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) 5. A sense of social rejection 6. Affinity to friends who already abuse drugs 7. A belief that using drug is the in thing It is very important that you should check out these circumstances once in every year to ensure that everything is fine and your child is maintaining a healthy distance from all such factors. The effects of teen drug abuse (a) It could lead to serious health implications when a young abuse drugs. (b) Using drugs affects concentration, memory and ability to learn newer things. (c) It also results in making wrong choices and participation in unplanned sex. (d) Their dependency on drugs increases as they grow older and most likely they would turn into hardcore addicts. How to refrain youngsters from abusing drugs Always talk to your children in an open and friendly atmosphere which is conducive for a bare all conversation. Let them feel heard.

3. • Ask for their viewpoints and try to arrive at a consensus instead of handing them a bossy lecture. A friendly parent is always the best deterrent for a child to stay away from drugs • Explain the dangers of abusing drugs, making them see the futility and dangers lurking behind • Take a cue from various media sources, articles, and other websites if necessary • Talk about your own hassle and struggle with drugs if any • Advise them not to get carried away from peer pressure and how to deal with it in a positive way These regular discussions would definitely ward off any chances for your child to abuse drugs. Also, it will forge an enriched relationship with your children which will hold them in good stead throughout their lives. To consult with one of our mental health specialists, please call our 24/7 Helpline: (855) 683-9756. www.sovaddictionrehab.com