| While most parents don't think that their children are experimenting with drug use, most reports state that almost 25% of 12-17 year olds and up to 50% of 18-25 year olds have used drugs. This is a very common problem, with the peak age of drinking and drug abuse when adolescents are 16-18 years old. Drug abuse is a serious problem, leading to an increase risk of death from motor vehicle accidents, homicide, and suicide. Children who use drugs are also more likely to practice unprotected sex at an earlier age, have low self esteem, behavior problems, school performance problems, and depression.
Many adolescents practice risk taking behaviors as they are trying to find their own identity and become more independent. This makes them very vulnerable to experimenting or becoming addicted to using drugs and drinking, especially if their is peer pressure to do so.
It is very important to communicate with your child to help minimize their being susceptible to the influences of negative peer pressure and prevent them from picking up bad habits, including the use of tobacco, alcohol and drugs (including the use of inhalants; especially aerosols and glue). Teenagers whose parents talk to them regularly are at much less risk for experimenting with cigarettes, drinking and drugs. Teach them how to avoid situations where drug use, drinking, or smoking are present and to minimize peer pressure by choosing friends who also choose not to use these substances.
Emphasize to them that these substances can hurt them, can make them sick, can cause decrease lung function and problems playing sports, and that it is OK to say no. Also, do not let them attend parties that are unsupervised by adults and let your teens know that they can communicate openly with you about these difficult subjects. Watch for the warning signs of drug use, including a sudden change in your child's behavior or personality, decreased performance in school, or changes in what friends they associate with.
Most importantly, set a good example by not smoking, drinking excessively or using drugs yourselves. Children are much more likely to smoke, drink alcohol or use drugs if they are exposed to a parents or other close family members who does too.
If you suspect that your child is drinking, smoking or is experimenting with drug use, then you should discuss it with your pediatrician for further treatment. While their are many urine, blood and even hair tests that can detect if your child is involved in drug use, it is best to do these tests with your child's consent. If you secretly test your child, then if the test is positive you will have to confront your child with this information. This can lead to more problems, since you may lose his trust because you tested him secretly. If the test is negative, then it just tells you that he hasn't used anything recently. This may give you a false sense of security, since he may still be regularly involved in drug use.
You should talk with your child if you think he is drinking, smoking or is experimenting with drug use. Or you can set up an appointment with a medical professional with experience in dealing with adolescents with this problem. This professional can be your Pediatrician, a psychologist, counselor or someone else that your child can build a relationship with to talk about his problems.
Drinking, Smoking and Drug Abuse reading list (in association with amazon.com):
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