How to Prevent Adolescent Substance Abuse

Because of the social pressures and general confusion of the teenage years, some adolescents turn to substance abuse to relieve the confusion and pressure. While no method is foolproof, there are steps a parent can take to help prevent adolescent substance abuse in their children.

Instructions

1. Create a supportive and stable home environment for the adolescent child. Studies show that children are much more likely to have a substance abuse problem if there is divorce or violence in their home life.

2. Talk to your children and make them feel comfortable enough to confide in you. Open lines of communication are essential in helping to prevent substance abuse because the abuse most likely is the result of another issue in your child's life. If the child feels he can talk to you, it may alleviate some of the pressure in his life.

3. Be a parent first and a friend second. Too many times parents want to be friends with their children and create a permissive environment that lacks proper boundaries. Therefore, a parent must make rules and stick to them even if the adolescent does not like the rules.

4. Monitor your child's activity and attitude for any noticeable changes. If you notice any changes in the attitude or activity, it may be a sign of substance abuse and you will need to talk to the child.

5. Get to know all of your adolescent's friends and if possible their parents. Peer pressure is such a huge part of your child's life and friends can create pressure that is the beginning of a substance abuse problem. Some of the most straight-laced looking children can be the biggest source of negative peer pressure. Get to know them on a personal level and monitor their activities as well.

6. Abstain from drinking yourself. Children learn from the behavior they witness around them and if you have a substance abuse problem the chances are high that your children will as well.

7. Notice a drop in grades or school attendance. If your child starts missing class and making bad grades it could be a sign he is having problems, which can result in a substance abuse problem. Talk to your child's teachers and school administrators to find out how they are acting in school. Sometimes children will put on an act at home and then behave the opposite at school.

Tips & Warnings

• If you suspect a substance problem in your adolescent child, consult a counselor to get help.