We live in times that make being a teenager even harder than it was years ago. Today’s kids face tough peer pressure in addition to being bullied at school as well as online. Just one look at a teens social media accounts will show that they are quite often challenged to do strange and dangerous things just to fit in. Sadly, a lot of these challenges lead to injury, illness, and even death. Kids still face the normal issues of being a teenager, except now the bullying and peer pressure can last well on through their entire day. Drug use can easily become a teen’s way of dealing with all of the pressures they are forced to face daily.
Society can also play a pivotal role in teen drug and alcohol use, as if normal teen pressures weren’t enough to deal with. Children are constantly being bombarded with imagery that promotes the use of alcohol and drugs. We are surrounded with advertising as well as movies and television shows that promote drinking, sex, and drug use as being exciting and fun. The fact that many of these shows and movies promote all three together can also push a teen into experimental drug use. Outside stimuli is an issue parents have struggled with throughout the ages, however, modern times make this outside stimuli stronger than it has ever been.
Teens can easily fall into the deceitful web of drug use, especially if any of their friends use drugs. When kids have friends that are using drugs with seemingly no consequences, parents will have a very hard time trying to convince their child that using drugs is dangerous. The best way to stop a child from using drugs and becoming addicted is to catch the possibility of drug use early. Parents that are both working often overlook the indications that their child is susceptible to, or is considering drug or alcohol use. Busy schedules make it hard to spend time together as a family, which is why many kids end up going through the two stages of use and abuse before their parents even notice there’s a serious problem.
Since normal teenage behavior can be erratic at times, it’s difficult for parents to pick up on the signs of drug use. In fact, most family therapy sessions revolve around the ever-changing mood swings that teens go through. Being a parent of a teen can be quite daunting without adding in the issues of drugs and alcohol. Thankfully, parents have outlets that they can seek to get help with dealing with teen behavior, as well as teen rehab centers that help them to educate their children on the dangers of drugs and alcohol. If a parent has not been able to pick up on the signs of drug use and abuse, addiction might be what they have to face. Parents are encouraged to seek outside help upon noticing the first signs of drug use, regardless of what stage their child is in.
Early detection is always optimal and it makes it easier for parents and rehabilitation programs to help a teen become free from the shackles of drug use. Seeking professional help is crucial whether a child is in the early stages of use or deeply involved. If your child is struggling with drugs or alcohol, please don’t wait, seek out teen rehab centers to help your child get on the right path and get a new lease on life.
