How to Stop Teen Drug Use

Teen drug use is a serious, problem that cannot be easily resolved. It is a complex problem, with many components and causes. As parents, we must become aware and equipped, to help counter attack the challenges that face the children of our generation.

Things You'll Need

• Open eyes
• Information
• Support

Instructions

1. To help stop teen drug use, we have to develop closer, stronger families. Too many families today are raising latch key children, who come home every afternoon to an empty house. It is important to make sure that one parent is at home, to help with homework, to give supervision, and to be available, if the child needs someone to talk with.

2. Talk to your teen about drug abuse. Discuss the consequences of addiction and the devastation it can cause. Speak to your child's principal, about instituting an anti-drug program at their school.

3. Be aware of how your child is doing in school. Be available to check your child's homework regularly. A child who is falling behind in school can become discouraged and depressed. This can lead to skipping classes and getting involved with smoking, drinking or illegal drug use.

4. Watch for signs of depression in your child. Some children are dealing with undiagnosed depression. A teen, who is depressed, may choose to use drugs in order to feel better. If you discover that you child is depressed, seek help for them.

5. Provide a support system for your child. A good source of support can be coaches, guidance counselors, scout leaders or extended family members. Make sure your child has someone responsible to talk to, if he feels he can not talk to you.

6. Develop secure and self aware children. Teach your child to set goals. Reaching short term goals, builds self esteem and gives children confidence. Discover your child's strengths and help them to develop in those areas. No one is good at everything, but everyone is good at something. A child who has high self esteem is less likely to use drugs.

7. What is in you Medicine Cabinet? Make sure there are no prescription drugs in your home that your child can gain access. The Partnership for a Drug Free America Drug Awareness, reports that one in five teens have tried prescription drugs to get high.

8. Look for warning signs of drug use. If your child is suddenly acting differently, do not dismiss the possibility, that they may be using drugs. Some behaviors to look for are rage, emotional outbursts, moodiness, hostility, dilated pupils, and bloodshot eyes, sleeping too much, or staying up all night.

9. Drug Testing is available. Awareness and drug testing are great deterrents to drug use. If you suspect that your child is using drugs, give them a drug test. You can request a free voucher for a drug test from TestMyTeen.com. As parents, we must become proactive in the quest to stop teen drug use. We can no long afford to look the other way, and hope that the problem will go away.

Tips & Warnings

• Be a present, involved parent

• Never dismiss the signs of drug use in your child

Resources

• Revelation of Death - Video
• TestMyTeen.com
• Stop Teen Drug Addiction