Most teens will experiment. They experiment with everything. They will push as many boundaries as they can. It is their job to do this in order to push themselves into adulthood and away from you as their parent. They are launching themselves. But what happens when their experiments go wrong and they end up with an addiction?

Parenting Teens.

This is every parents worse nightmare alongside dropping out of school, teen pregnancy, mental health issues, eating disorders, online activity and predators, etc. In this blog I’ll talk about substance abuse, I’m not just talking about illegal drugs here but all substances that can be abused, drugs – illegal and legal, alcohol, nicotine. But we could also add food, social media and computer games. All of these are highly addictive to everyone especially the earlier you start.

Understanding what substance abuse is, and how to talk to your teen, will go along way to keeping the lines of communications open during your teen’s years. And keeping those lines of communication open will be one of the keys to keeping your teen safe, and help prevent substance abuse from occurring in the first place.

Studies show that the earlier a person starts smoking, drinking or using drugs the higher the risk they have to developing an addiction. 9 out of 10 people who are addicted to nicotine, alcohol, or other drugs, started using these before they were 18. If a teen starts using these substances before they are 15 they are 7 times more likely to be addicted to them, as opposed to people who didn’t first use until 21. We can see why gaming and social media companies want our children to use their products as early as possible, and yes gaming and social media are addictive.

Brain Development.

Teens brains are still developing and these brains are at risk of long-term cognitive and behavioural effects from substance abuse the earlier it is started. Therefore, the earlier we recognize and implement preventions the more we can help our teens. The first step for a parent is to get informed, and understand that teens may experiment but they may not become addicted. So get to know the difference between experimentation and addiction behaviours.

Common Reasons For Experimentation.

With experimentation it is more important to understand why some teens are tempted to experiment in the first place. The most common reasons are:

1. Curiosity
2. Peer pressure or to fit in with a new group of friends
3. Emotional struggles e.g. loneliness, stress, depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, low self-confidence, abuse, or other mental health problems
4. Weight loss or bulk up. Social pressure to lose weight or have more muscle can turn teens to use some drugs.
5. A desire to escape (boredom).
6. Find independence
7. Poor relationship with close family members
8. Genetics or substance abuse in the family already.
9. Enhanced Experiences: some drugs will enhance energy and focus (Cocaine/Adderall); enhance sexual experience and lack of inhibition (Ecstasy, Alcohol); to relax and be more comfortable in social situations (Marijuana, Alcohol).

What Is Substance Abuse?

Substance abuse refers to the abuse of illegal and legal substances, the most common of these are drugs (illegal and prescribed), alcohol, nicotine, caffeine. I’d add social media and computer games into this mix plus gambling and food. Substance abuse is described as a pattern of substance use that leads to problems, distress, and can lead to family/relationship difficulties and even legal problems.

The most common types of substances abused by teens are:

1. Alcohol
2. Marijuana
3. Nicotine
4. Prescription drugs
5. Hallucinogens
6. Cocaine
7. Amphetamines
8. Opiates
9. Anabolic steroids
10. Inhalants
11. Methamphetamine

What Are The Causes Of Substance Abuse In Teens?

Substance abuse in teens has a multiple factor cause including genetic vulnerability, environmental stressors, social pressures, individual personality characteristics, and psychiatric problems. However, we can’t as yet clearly determine which of these factors are most to blame in teen’s substance abuse.

Some teens are at more risk of developing substance abuse, i.e. if their families have substance abuse in it, if they have been victims of physical, sexual, psychological or emotional abuse, if they have mental health problems or have low self-esteem.

Signs Of Substance Abuse In Teens.

The symptoms of substance abuse may resemble normal teen behaviours (see blog here). Most of these symptoms can be written off. So use your common sense and investigate, you know your child best. They can resemble other medical problems or psychiatric conditions also. So always trust your gut as a parent and consult your doctor for a diagnosis if you feel there is a problem.

The earlier you intervene the better and more effective treatment is. But it is never too late to intervene.

Signs Of Substance Abuse.

1. Dropping grades in school, this could be also due to poor teaching, dislike of teacher, too much pressure, to list but a few. Watch for other problems in school also, such as poor attendance and recent discipline problems.
2. Laughing for no reason. What parent doesn’t find what their child laughs at times strange though. Remember we are looking at combinations of things here.
3. Loss of interest in activities they previously enjoyed. Again could be a sign of peer pressure, changing interests, depression or other mental health conditions. Always investigate.
4. Poor hygiene and lack of interest in their appearance. Some teens go through this phase, but never write it off, as it could indicate mental health conditions also.
5. Avoiding eye contact. Can be a shy child or part of teen behaviour. Avoiding eye contact can mean anything from they don’t want to be noticed, to lying, to mental health related issues, the list could be long so use common sense and your gut instinct.
6. Frequent hunger or “munchies”, but then most teens seem to eat a lot. Most parents of teens, particularly boys, will say they eat them out of house and home. Watch for changes in eating patterns and weight gain or loss. It is a time for teens to develop eating disorders and appetite changes are indicators in other mental health conditions also.
7. Smell of smoke/alcohol on the breath or clothes.
8. Obvious intoxication, bloodshot eyes, dizziness or bizarre behaviour.
9. Secretive behaviour. Teens can become more secretive as they move away from their parents, but still you need to investigate. Never be afraid to search a bedroom if you suspect substance abuse.
10. Unusual tiredness. Teens tend to be tired, but mostly it can be the amount of work pressure and late nights on phones and computers. Look out for changes in sleeping patterns more than just tiredness.
11. Missing curfew.
12. Change in friends. Again older school friends can change at this age as they grow apart or develop different interests. Get to know the new friends, if they don’t want to introduce you to them, ask why? Investigate this further.
13. Frequent arguments, sudden mood changes and unexplained violent actions. Arguments and mood changes are not uncommon at this age but if it’s tied in with other symptoms then you have to act. Always investigate this and trust your gut instinct.
14. Trauma or frequent injuries. These are more likely to show substance abuse going on, it may be picked up by A&E doctors.
15. Runaway and delinquent behaviour. Act immediately as it’s a cry for help.
16. Depressed mood or talk about depression or suicide, self-harm; suicide attempts. Act immediately again a cry for immediate help.

Harmful Consequences of Teen Substance Abuse.

Teens may start abusing substances for a variety of reasons, such as in order to cope with distress, mental health issues or emotional difficulties. While the substance may bring temporary relief, their effects may last a life time.

These can include some of the following:

1. Depression and anxiety issues over their life time.
2. Broken relationships (family, friends, and romantic relationships).
3. Poor or declining health.
4. Difficulty maintaining self-esteem.
5. Grief, loss or trauma.
6. Problems making friends and feeling isolated.
7. Legal issues such as prison.
8. Pregnancy.

How Is Substance Abuse Diagnosed And Treatment?

Your family doctor is your first port of call. To diagnose a substance abuse problem you will need suitable qualified medical professionals and this normally includes a psychiatrist.

Most teens don’t get diagnosed by their family doctors. It is more likely they will be diagnosed when they are being treated for other conditions. Such as an accident while under the influence or if they self-harm.

Treatment.

Specific treatment for substance abuse will be determined by your teen’s specialist. It will normally depend on the substance they are abusing, their age, family history, how long they have been abusing for, your teens willingness to cooperate with treatment. Your opinion will of course be taken into account also.

Treatment can take place inpatient or outpatient. It might require a detoxification program at the start. But will need long-term follow-up treatment, including psychiatric and counselling programs for the teen and their parents and siblings.

Have The Conversation With Your Teen.

It is up to us as parents to initiate the conversation about substance abuse. 1 in 5 parents who suspect their child has a problem don’t intervene.

Sometimes all it takes is for you to talk to your teen to prevent further misuse. Sometimes it isn’t that simple. But we do need to at least try, using questions such as “Have you been using drugs or alcohol?” or “Has anyone offered you drugs or alcohol recently?” “Are you worried about a friend taking drugs or drinking?”

How you react if your teen admits substance abuse will determine how much they are willing to open up about their experience. Don’t overreact or lash out, getting your child to talk is what is more important in this first step. You need to determine if this was a one time thing or if they have a problem. Explain how much you love them, but you are frightened for their future. Keep talking to them and persuade them to see your family doctor. If your family GP has suggested an intervention program for you follow this.

If your teen denies substance abuse and you know they are lying then reassure them you are concern for them and want to help. But you will need help professional to tackle this it is beyond you as a parent. See you GP or attend A & E immediately if necessary.

Talking With Your Teen About Substance Abuse.

Talking to your teen should involve multiple conversations over time. Make sure you use age appropriate language. A good time to do this may be to tie it in with awareness programs in school. Or if it is included in a popular soap they watch at that time.

Always choose a time when you know you will be not interrupted and that everyone’s phone is off. It will help if you and your partner have a discussion before hand and decide what you will talk about.

Some Tips That Might Help.

1. Firstly get informed, teens will know when you are trying to wing it. If you are informed properly then you know the information you are passing on is correct. They will get information for themselves from peers, social media and the media. You need to be able to correct it if it’s incorrect. Don’t think you will out smart them they are more clued in than you realize.
2. Avoid lectures. Always ask your teens views and listen to their opinions and questions. If you don’t know an answer then admit this. They will appreciate your honesty.
3. Consider what media messages they are getting. What are they watching on TV, or listening to. Do these convey a glamorized or trivialized message. You need to explain why this is wrong. Again talk with them, listen to their opinions. They are pretty smart and will have worked out more than you think.
4. Discuss what the different types of substance abuse are and why they are dangerous to our health. Perhaps divide up drugs, alcohol, etc., into different discussions as there may be too much information to process in one go.
5. Discuss peer pressure and how they can resist this. Brainstorm ideas with them on how to turn down any offers they might receive.
6. Be ready to discuss your teen years and substance use.
7. Think about how you will respond if they admit to experimenting.
8. It’s never too soon to start talking to your teen about substance abuse. The conversations you have today can help your teen make healthy choices in the future.
9. Know the different types of drugs available: http://www.drugs.ie/drugtypes/

Preventive Strategies To Help Your Teen Avoid Substance Abuse

It’s so important to help your teen to try to prevent substance abuse in the first place. As they say prevention is better than cure. For the most part teens will experiment, but that’s where it will end. Open and good communication is key here. I talk more about this here.

Tips That May Help.

1. Keep the lines of communication open at all times. Chat to them, don’t interrogate them. Remind them how much you love them and are there for them at all times. Have open discussions with your child from a young age about different forms of substance abuse. For example: What they would do if offered drugs? Explore examples, positives and negatives of use.
2. Know your teens friends, their friends family and the teens activities. Get involved if you can. At the very least make sure you know as much as you can about the activity and the people in charge.
3. Encourage your teen to have their friends over to your home. Offer to drive them to school or other activities. Take time to get to know them.
4. Make sure you and your teen make the house rules and consequences together. Explain why they also include what happens when your teen is with others outside the home. For example: They are never allowed in a car driven by someone under the influence, etc.
5. Keep a track of prescription drugs in your home. Explain why you are taking them. Or if your teen needs them to make sure they ask you. Or know how much to take as they get older.
6. Make sure to offer support, encouragement when your teen succeeds. Not just at academics but in everything they do, no matter how small. This will help you bond more with your teen.
7. Make sure you are setting a good example. Teens will quickly disrespect you if it’s a case of “do what I say, not as I do”, actions speak louder than words. Encourage them not to drink or smoke. The longer you can delay this the less likely they are to develop problems.
8. Make sure you have clear but healthy expectations of your teen. Teens are put under enough pressure and home should be their safe haven. As parents we can teach our children to behave responsibly. We can give them practice at negotiating, making choices and ‘saying no’. We can gradually give them responsibility for making their own decisions.

Work With Me.

Remember you are allowed to ask for support. No one is an island. If you need extra support then you can also work with me. We all struggle with stress and overwhelm from time to time. If you find this has become a problem for you and you’d like some support then schedule an appointment with me.