Drug and Alcohol Abuse
Statistics
(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
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Excessive drinking is responsible for more than 4,300 deaths among underage youth each year.
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Although drinking by persons under the age of 21 is illegal, people aged 12 to 20 years drink 11% of all alcohol consumed in the United States.
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68% of 12th graders have tried alcohol.
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Statistics show that over 35.1% of 12th graders have smoked pot in the past year.
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On average, underage drinkers consume more drinks per drinking occasion than adult drinkers.
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Only 32% of 12th graders feel that regular marijuana use is harmful.
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Typically, underage drinkers consume more drinks per occasion than adult drinkers.
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Teen drug abuse can have long-term cognitive and behavioral effects since the teenage brain is still developing.
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About
Alcohol Abuse: the habitual misuse of alcohol.
Drug Abuse: the habitual taking of addictive or illegal drugs.
Types of Drugs
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Tobacco products (cigarettes, chewing tobacco)
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Cannabinoids (marijuana, pot, weed)
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Cold medications (Benadryl)
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Inhalants (gasoline, ammonia)
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Depressants (also known as downers or roofies
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Stimulants (amphetamines, cocaine, methamphetamine)
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Narcotics (morphine, heroin, oxycodone [Oxycontin])
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Hallucinogens (LSD, "mushrooms")
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Dissociative anesthetics (phencyclidine/PCP, ketamine)
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Club drugs (Ecstasy), sometimes called "X"
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Others (for example, steroids)
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Teens and Addiction
There is a high chance that your teen will be exposed to drugs and alcohol sometime through high school or middle school
According to statistics, there is a even a good chance that your teen will try drugs. Teens as young as 13 have sometimes tried drugs like cocaine or marijuana. Teens might tell themselves they will only try a drug once, but many teens find themselves under continual peer pressure to continue to experiment with drugs.
Mistakes Parents
Make
Ignoring your child's mental health
More than two-thirds of young substance abusers suffer from mental health problems, such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, and eating disorders.
Not setting expectations
Teens who know their parents disapprove of drug use are less likely to use drugs, and vice versa.
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Being Dishonest About Your Own Drug Use
The conversation may be awkward, but the worst thing you can do is to lie. If you took drugs or drank too much in your youth, tell the truth if your teen asks you for help.
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Being Too Strict or Judgmental
It can be difficult to form an open and honest relationship with a difficult teen, but your goal should be to be a parent to them, but in a way so that your child feels able and willing to come to you at any time when they are struggling. If your teen thinks you'll get super angry or will fly off the handle, then they’re going to hide the problem until it’s too late. Form an open relationship with your teenager.
Signs Your Teen May Be Abusing Alcohol
It’s not an easy task for a parent to accurately detect their teenager is abusing alcohol. The following signs do not mean that your teen is necessarily abusing alcohol, but it's better to check in with them to see if they are doing okay. Some of these signs include:
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Decreased involvement in extracurricular activity.
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A decline in study habits.
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Symptoms of depression.
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A decline in time spent with family.
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Weight changes.
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Erratic behavior.
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Combativeness towards parents or other authority figures.
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Deterioration in physical appearance and personal grooming.
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Using eyedrops to hide blood-shot eyes.
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Unusual acting-out after a break up or death of a friend or family member
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The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is the agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation. SAMHSA's mission is to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on America's communities.