Drugs? Alcohol? My kid?
There's a wealth of information available about the harm drugs and alcohol can cause preteens and teens -- but is the message getting through?
While the use of illegal drugs may have lessened in the past decade, there seems to be a swing towards youth using legal (for adults) substances.
Peer pressure, boredom, escape, and curiosity are often the reasons youth cite for first-time use. The romantic way drugs and alcohol are portrayed in many movies, on TV and in music certainly contribute to a perception that drug use is a normal and desirable part of growing up.
Alcohol
By far, the worst threat to teens and preteens is alcohol. Consuming alcoholic beverages has become a common way for kids to party and have fun. Ask just about any teenager and they'll tell you that getting alcohol is easy.
In fact, according to a 2005 SAMHSA National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 28.2% of persons ages 12-20 reported drinking alcohol in the past month. More than half (58%) of 12th graders report having been drunk at least once in their lifetime. Among 8th graders, one fifth (20%) reported having been drunk at least once in their lifetime.
Many youth are unaware that alcohol can be every bit as dangerous as illicit substances. Alcohol alone is implicated in more deaths among teens that all other drugs combined. Alcohol can also increase other risks for youth. More teens who consume alcohol crash their cars, commit suicide, become sexually active, or become alcoholics than their sober counterparts.
Other drugs -- including prescription and over-the-counter medication
Other drugs being used to get high among teens and preteens are marijuana, prescription narcotics, over-the-counter cold medicine, inhalants, and Ecstasy.
- Marijuana is commonly thought to be a fairly benign drug -- but it causes a lack of concentration and motivation among users. There are many drop-outs whose marijuana use caused them to fail school. Also, marijuana is a major gateway drug: Nearly every heroin, cocaine and methamphetamine addict says they first tried marijuana.
Prescription medications such as Oxycontin, Vicodin and Ritalin have become more popular among youth in the past several years. Teens sometimes take several pills at a time or mix them indiscriminately -- putting themselves at great risk of overdosing.- Over-the-counter cold medicines -- such as Robitussin, which contains DXM (dextromethorphan) -- are readily available and the perception among youth is that they are safe. Abuse of cough medicines containing DXM can lead to vomiting, muscle spasms, delirium and cardiac arrest.
- Inhalants such as paint and solvents have an immediate, suppressing effect on the user. Often referred to as "huffing" or "sniffing," users become dizzy and disoriented, and the effects can be devastating. Frequent use can lead to brain damage. Some users suffocate from the fumes and die -- even if it is their first time huffing or sniffing.
- Ecstasy -- which was first popularized at parties and in clubs -- is turning up at schools and in homes. This drug's attraction is that it gives users an instant rush of energy and heightened perception of color and sound. The long-term affects can be liver damage. It also can cause death from heat stroke.
- While seen less often, some teens are also getting into methamphetamine, heroin and cocaine -- all extremely dangerous drugs. Usually use of these drugs starts in the late teens or early 20s.
What can parents do?
Parents can make a big impact on whether or not their kids use drugs. Statistically, children who grow up in homes where parents make it clear that drug and alcohol use are not tolerated are 50% less likely to abuse drugs than in homes where nothing is said.
Some parents avoid the "talk about drugs" because they don't know what to say about their own drug use. You don't have to get too specific about this topic, but it's usually best to be honest. If you have used drugs, you can talk about why it was a bad choice.
Set a good example and avoid going to the liquor cabinet after you have had a bad day.
Kids are naturally curious about this topic. Talk about it openly and often with your kids, and be consistent about the message.
Here are some excellent Web sites with information for preteens, teens and adults about drug abuse:
