From Rrules

 

2	I have tried drugs

Contents 1 Teens and Drugs 2 Why do Drugs? 3 What is Drug Abuse? 4 What are the Signs of Teen Drug Abuse? 5 How can I protect my teen from drug abuse? 6 What can I do if my teen is abusing drugs? 7 Bibliography 8 Related Pages 9 External Helpful Sites 10 Outline Sequence

[edit] Teens and Drugs

It is not uncommon for teens to try tobacco or drugs. But are teens aware of how additive or harmful these can be? Teens are more susceptible than adults to drug abuse, which has adverse physical, social and psychological consequences.

Some of the most commonly abused drugs include alcohol, amphetamines, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, cocaine, methaqualone and opium alkaloids. Teens most often use marijuana due to the misconception that it is “harmless.”

[edit] Why do Drugs?

Teens use drugs for many reasons. They may do it because they want to fit in with friends or certain groups. They may also take a drug or drink alcohol because they like the way it makes them feel. Or they may believe that it makes them more grown up. Teens tend to try new things and take risks, and they may take drugs or drink alcohol because it seems exciting.

Teens with family members who have problems with alcohol or other drugs are more likely to have serious substance abuse problems. Also, teens who feel that they are not connected to or valued by their parents are at greater risk. Teens with poor self-esteem or emotional or mental health problems, such as depression, also are at increased risk.

Reference: More Info on why teens do drugs

2	I think teens do drugs to fit in

2	I think teens do drugs because they are bored

[edit] What is Drug Abuse?

There is a common misconception that a person becomes an addict by doing drugs once.

Drug abuse, also known as substance abuse, involves the repeated and excessive use of a drug to produce pleasure or escape reality, despite its destructive effects. Substance abuse can be identified by the maladaptive way in which it takes over the user's life, disrupting his or her relationships, daily functioning, and peace of mind.

Reference: Detection of Drug Abuse signs and effects

2	Telltale drug-use signs should be taken seriously

[edit] What are the Signs of Teen Drug Abuse?

Tip: While there are many telltale signs of drug abuse, remember that any one of the signs and symptoms is NOT enough to suggest substance abuse. Here are some things to watch out for:

* Red eyes

* Deteriorating family relationships

* Sudden changes in school attendance and quality of grades

* Sudden changes in behavior and attitude

* Expressing feelings of exhaustion, depression and hopelessness

* Long, unexplained absences

* Deterioration of physical appearance and grooming

* Frequently borrowing money, selling possessions or stealing

* Talking incoherently

* Involvement on the wrong side of the law

* Increased secrecy about possessions or activities

* Increased use of room sprays, deodorant, perfume, eye-drops and/or mouthwash

Reference: Some of the extremely helpful sites to detect signs of drug abuse {1} {2} {3}

Tip: This link lists the signs and effects of the use of individual drugs Signs of commonly abused drugs

2	Parents should take preventive measures to avoid drug abuse

[edit] How can I protect my teen from drug abuse?

Tip: Talking openly and honestly with your teen and keeping a healthy home life may prevent your teen from trying alcohol and drugs.

You can help prevent substance use by using these tips:
* Talk to your child early about what you expect in his or her behavior toward alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. If your teen thinks that you will allow substance use, he or she is more likely to try drugs or alcohol.

* Keep your teen busy with meaningful activities, such as sports, church programs, or other groups.

* Expect your teen to follow the household rules. Set reasonable penalties for bad behavior, and consistently carry them out.

* Keep talking with your teen. Praise your teen for even the little things he or she does well.

* Know your child’s friends. Having friends who avoid cigarettes, alcohol, and drugs may be your teen’s best protection from substance abuse.

*Having family dinners is one of the best ways to keep involved in your teen's life.

Reference: Protect Your Teen from Drug Abuse

Tip: This link gives very helpful suggestions on what parents can do to prevent their children from doing drugs Prevention is better than cure

2	I have helped a teen seek treatment for drug abuse

[edit] What can I do if my teen is abusing drugs?

Tip: If your teen is using drugs, take it seriously. One of the most important things you can do is to talk openly with your teen about the problem. Urge him or her to do the same. Try not to use harsh, judging words. Be as supportive as you can during this time. In most cases, a hostile, angry face-to-face meeting pushes your teen away from the family.

The type of treatment your teen needs depends on the level of substance abuse. For example, if a teen has tried drugs or alcohol only a few times, talking openly about the problem may be all that you need to do to help your teen stop. But if your teen is addicted to a drug or alcohol, he or she may need to have detoxification treatment or a treatment that replaces the substance with medicine. Medicine works best if it is combined with one-on-one or family counseling, or both.

Returning to substance abuse, called relapse, is common after treatment. It is not a failure on the part of your teen or the treatment program. Recovery from addiction is hard and takes time. Know that there may be setbacks that your teen will need to overcome one step at a time.

Reference: How to act if your teen is abusing drugs

Dealing with the Problem

[edit] Bibliography

[edit] Related Pages

Parties
Alcohol
Drugs
Curfews
Teen Fighting
Movies Ratings

[edit] External Helpful Sites

[2]

[edit] Outline Sequence

Portal:The Party and Social Scene>Drugs