Alcohol Abuse Advice

Teenage Substance Abuse

About 6 months ago I realized my teenage son Jason had been drinking.  I was shocked.  I had talked with Jason about the dangers of drugs and alcohol, but came to find out he (like most teenagers) was dealing with some very adult problems.  I began to take a more active interest in what was bothering him.  This is something that I wish was done earlier, but it just didn’t occur to me that MY son could be susceptible to this.  I did a lot of research and bought a couple of really good ebooks and found out some helpful information.

   Jason and other teenagers are at risk for substance abuse include those with a family history of substance abuse, who have low self-esteem, who feel hopelessly alienated, as if they don’t fit in, or who are depressed. It isn’t always easy for someone to see that a loved one is a substance abuser. So, it is always helpful to know how to recognize substance abuse. That is why it is important to due your home work so you know what to look for. I started by just typing Jason’s frustrations and symptoms into google.  It is sometimes difficult for mental health practitioners to arrive at a diagnosis of substance abuse alone. It is important as a parent that you have all the information that you can gather before you seek the help of medical professionals. Substance abuse, addiction treatment and drug and alcohol recovery and rehabilitation resources are available on the internet.   I found my information about Jason’s recovery at www.Alcoholism-DrugAddiction.blogspot.com

 What are the Symptoms of Substance Abuse? First of all, if a person is a substance abuser, he is probably going to be guarding his privacy more than usual. Different substances lend themselves to different groups of symptoms.  Physical signs of substance abuse are: slurred speech, memory impairment, in coordination, and impairment of attention. There are a number of practical and empirical methods to determine substance use, among them being urine or blood testing. A dual diagnosis is given to any person who has both a substance abuse problem and an emotional or psychiatric disorder.  Keep in mind, however, that the above characteristics of a possible substance abuser could also be characteristics of a person with depression and substance abuse.
When dealing with my teen I found it helpful to talk about how the substance abuse is affecting everyone. That way they can see how it is not just their problem they have to deal with themselves.  It is important for them to know that they have support.  They may act like they don’t care but deep down behind that angry teenage exterior they really just want to know that someone cares. 
 Stressful events can profoundly influence the abuse of alcohol or other drugs. A number of clinical and epidemiological studies show a strong association between psychosocial stressors early in life e g , parental loss, child abuse and an increased risk for depression, anxiety, impulsive behavior, and substance abuse in adulthood.  According to Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration SAMHSA , almost 50% of the average teen day often includes drinking, smoking, or using illicit drugs. The overindulgence in and dependence on an addictive substance, especially alcohol or a narcotic drug can ruin a person’s life.  Especially if that person is young, like a teenager.  The patterns that they develop at that age carry well into adulthood.
Researchers have long recognized the strong correlation between stress and substance abuse, particularly in prompting relapse. Although exposure to stress is a common occurrence for many teenagers it is also one of the most powerful triggers for relapse to substance abuse in addicted individuals.  This is why treating a substance abuse problem is not just a one time thing.  If your child has unfortunately developed an addiction it must be delt with to the fullest.  Just confiscating their beer and telling them not to do it again isn’t going to be enough.  You have to be their back-up in the war on stress and peer pressure.  YOU have to make them understand what you already know.  However, this must be done in a democratic and fair manner.  You must make them understand that it is not their fault, but it is a reality that must be delt with and they are going to have to act like a mature adult in order to solve this problem.
We all must focus on restoring teenagers emotional well-being, develop healthy ways to manage stress, and avoid them turning to drugs or other substances to escape stressful realities of the day.  If the problem is too big to deal with then t may be time to seek professional help.  I do however recommend being VERY well informed before this.  The more that you know and can help the professionals with the faster your teens road to recovery.  Jason is doing well now, his grades are up and we have our daily “meetings,” so I know exactly what I can help him with.
   In drug abuse education course, teenagers  receive information about alcohol and drugs and the physical, social, and psychological impact of abusing these substances. Some teen substances abused are: alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, cocaine, opiates, “club drugs” ecstasy, etc stimulants, hallucinogens, inhalants, prescription drugs, and steroids. Drug and substance abuse among teenagers, is substantial and growing!   The consequences of teenage substance abuse can be catastrophic not just to their social life and emotional development, but physically as well.  Heart dieses, Cancer, and Brain Damage just to name a few.  In addition to its direct health effects, officials associate alcohol abuse with nearly half of all fatal motor vehicle accidents.  If a teenage addiction goes on un checked they WILL end up in jail, on the streets, or even worse DEAD!  I pray that all parents out there take an active roll in their children’s lives and stop these atrocities from beginning before they are a problem, but if it must be taken care of you are the first one that must be informed.  To get some of the  most crucial information check out www.Alcoholism-DrugAddiction.blogspot.com