How to Help Prevent Teenage Drug Use

A guide for Parents by Whitney McNeil

PrevalenceThe National Institute on Drug Abuse shows declining use of: Alcohol Cigarettes Most illicit drugs

While the use of marijuana amongst teens has risen.

On an average day in the past year, adolescents aged 12 to 17 used the following substances (CBHSQ 2013):

881,684 smoked cigarettes 646,702 used marijuana 457,672 drank alcohol 38,540 used inhalants 21,775 used hallucinogens 6,747 used cocaine 5,602 used heroin

At What Cost?There are many costs to teens and their families when abusing drugs (OJJDP 1998): Lower grades, skipping school, higher risk of

dropping out. More accident prone, physical disabilities,

diseases, risks of overdosing. Higher risk of death through suicide,

homicide, accident and illness. Depression, developmental lags, apathy,

and withdrawal.

Costs Continued… Higher risk of mental health problems, suicidal

thoughts/attempts, and suicide. Lowered motivation, interference of short-term

memory and learning abilities. Alienation or stigmatized by peers,

disengagement from school or community activities.

Delinquency and higher burden on society. Family crises through financial and emotional

stress. Possible death.

What Can We Do?Parents have a great amount of influence on their teens’ decisions about drugs and alcohol. There are many things we can do to help.

“Kids who learn a lot about the risks of drugs and alcohol from their parents are up to 50% less likely to use than those who do not.” (Drugfree.org 2013).

Spend Quality Time• Regularly eat meals as a

family• Initiate family activities

often• Participate in service

projects together• Share in each family

member’s interests

Have Open Communication Initiate conversation

regularly Be open to all questions Refrain from overreacting Be honest and

understanding Be emotionally and

physically available

Set Clear Boundaries Let them know how you feel about drugs

and alcohol. Be honest and open about the effects. Lock up prescription drugs. Keep alcohol and tobacco out of their

reach.

Get Educated Learn the facts about drugs and

alcohol. Become familiar with the warning

signs. Teach your teens about the dangers. Get to know their friends and other

influences. Find support groups in your area.

Resources Teen Drug Abuse NIDA for Teens Drug Free Medicine Net Family First Aid National Institute on Drug Abuse

References"A Day in the Life of American Adolescents: Substance Use Facts Update." The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, 29 Aug. 2013. Web. 24 Nov. 2013.

"Adolescent Cigarette, Alcohol Use Declines as Marijuana Use Rises." National Institute on Drug Abuse. National Institutes of Health, Feb. 2013. Web. 24 Nov. 2013.

"Consequences of Youth Substance Abuse." Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. U.S. Department of Justice, May 1998. Web. 24 Nov. 2013.

"Parents Have More Influence over Their Child than Friends, Music, TV, the Internet and Celebrities." The Partnership at Drugfree.org. Drugfree.org, 2013. Web. 24 Nov. 2013.