Understanding the Reasons of Substance Abuse Can Save Lives.

Although drug use has been commonly associated as plaguing millions of adults worldwide, we are now seeing younger and younger teenagers falling victim to the horrible prospect of becoming addicted to any type of drug or substance. But what exactly causes these younger and pure generations to fall victim to the substance abuse that is so common today?

Common Reasons Teens Abuse Substances

The problem with many types of substance abuse cases in teens is the fact that teens are well educated on what counts as a substance. In this case, many gateway drugs may be tried that can lead to more fatal drugs that can do damage to a teen’s body. Steroid use, for instance, may be used by sports players to help bulk up before sports season hits. Nicotine and some kinds of inhalants have also been accredited as being gateway drugs that lead to more powerful addictions.

The biggest cause of the reasons teens succumb to the effects of substance abuse has and always will be peer pressure. It is becoming more common for adults and older teenagers that have been associated with drugs and alcohol to enforce their views on the substance to teenagers who would otherwise not be likely to try such atrocious substances. In that case, educating teenagers of peer pressure and how to avoid it can indeed help save lives in the long run.

Another common effect of teen substance abuse comes via marijuana. We are now seeing parents becoming more likely to use marijuana as compared to previous decades. This is largely due to the fact that many parents were using marijuana in the 1970’s when the drug was vastly popular. Now as these teens have become adults, they may now try to hide the fact that they still use the drug to their kids. But as studies show, almost all kids born to parents who still use the drug in secrecy will be more likely to try the drug themselves if they ever catch on to the fact their parents still abuse the substance.

There are so many pressures for teenagers our modern world. And, as parents, we can’t always shield our children from frustration. Peers replace parents as primary influences and our teens begin to test their limits. One of those dangerous tests may be experimentation and abuse of drugs. The best way to deal with suspicion and eventual confirmation that your child is abusing drugs is to understand the options and consequences.

How to Tell if Your Child is Using

You know your child pretty well, until puberty. Then, things change. However, there are several warning signs that you should not ignore. These could be your clues that your child is using drugs. Any combination of these signs could be an indication:

1. Increased truancy and tardiness to classes

2. Decline in grades or withdrawal from favorite school activities

3. Mood swings and/or personality changes

4. Negative behavior in school

5. Change in peer group or more negative friends

6. Loss of weigh

7. Lack of interest in general appearance

8. Aggressive protective of privacy

9. Withdrawal from family, including close siblings

10. Listlessness or forgetfulness

11. Changes in sleep patterns

If several of these warning signs describe your child’s behavior, proceed with caution. A parent will need to do more investigation and really identify drug use, and not some our issue, as their teens problem.

However, there is no need for detective work in some cases. You have seen paraphernalia. The school has called subsequent to finding your child using or discovered items during a locker search. You have heard rumors. The police have come to your home with allegations of drug possession and/or distribution. At this point, your child has a problem with drugs.

Alcohol and drug addiction can ruin a person and those around them. The sooner you spot the signs, the sooner the person can get the help they need. Read on for some of the things you should look for.

Difficulty:

Moderate
Instructions

Step 1

The person often appears impaired. If the person often stumbles, slurs their speech or seems unfocused or “out of it” without a medical explanation, they might be under the influence.

Step 2

They have a good job, but are frequently broke, with nothing to show for it. This is often a sign that the person is secretly buying drugs or alcohol, particularly if they often withdraw cash and never have any purchase receipts.

Step 3

They drink at every party, restaurant and bar. Having a drink now and again is fine, but it is a warning sign if they drink at every location and event.

Step 4

They say they need to drink or get high to have fun. This is a big warning sign. It usually means they have trouble functioning socially without being under the influence, or have been subjected to peer pressure to indulge.

Step 5

You find alcohol, drugs or drug paraphernalia hidden in their room or home. If they feel the need to hide it, it can be a sign of shame and a subconscious knowledge of their addiction.

Step 6

They act like drugs or drinking is “no big deal” and insult those that choose not to partake, or show responsibility with liquor. If they “protest too much”, it’s often a way of throwing attention off their problem.

Step 7

They often try to get others to indulge with them, and/or encourage others to use in excess.

Step 8

They prefer to associate with drinkers or drug abusers, rather than sober people.

Step 9

You see them frequently drinking to excess or abusing drugs. This, of course, is the most obvious sign, and a definite indicator that the person needs help.

Step 10

They get defensive or violent if you ask them not to drink or use drugs, or if you suggest that they have a problem. This is absolutely time for an intervention or outside help.