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Drug abuse used to be a phrase commonly used for adults, but now it is becoming
common among teenagers. Why does it occur among teenagers and what can be done
about it? There are psychological and social reasons. Some individuals have a
genetic predisposition to becoming depressed
due to stress and it is undeniable that teenagehood can be one of the most
stressful stages of life. Such a psychiatric disposition could lead to drug
addiction because drugs give the abusers relief from stress. Having tried it
once, the sense of feeling high spurs the user to get a second fix and so on.
Poor stress management and a low self-esteem
could also trigger the use of drugs as the person simply wants to escape
reality. The social reason comes in the form of peer pressure. In order to be
accepted by a group, some teenagers succumb to peer pressure and
get hooked on drugs.
Following that, how can one help reduce the risk of teenage involvement in
drug abuse? Getting to know a teenager's friends and their parents on a first
name basis will also help a parent know what their teen is up to. Networking
between parents of teenagers is essential. Keeping connected to their teens is
also important. If a parent cannot be home with their teen, call and leave
notes. Have another adult supervise him or sign him up for an after school
program. If these things are not possible, establish a routine for the teenager
to keep him busy.
Parents often avoid talking of drugs. They should. However, it must be
reminded that these are conversations, not lectures that would bore teenagers.
Instead, unite the family against drugs using strong family beliefs such as
religious teachings. Establish that the family does not use drugs and there are
other healthier ways to enjoy life and fix problems than escaping into a drug
haze.
In doing so, the risks teenagers face against drugs, peer pressure to take
drugs and the curiosity of taking drugs can be minimized, thereby creating a
harmonious and healthy living environment for teenagers to
thrive and excel in. |
