drugs/substance abuse
Alcohol, Tobacco, Prescription, and Other Drugs in Our Childrens’ Society
No longer is it just a few deviant teens who use alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. Today the teens who do not drink, smoke, or use other drugs are often made
to feel left out. There are many pressures on teens to use alcohol, tobacco, prescription, and other drugs, the strongest of which comes from the adolescent’s
peer group. Besides the knowledge of drug use among their friends and celebrities, youths are bombarded daily by television and other media messages
promoting adventure and fun associated with the use of alcohol, tobacco, and prescription drugs. What is most important though, is that adolescents tend to
mimic the behavior of parents and other adults. Finally, be aware that your child is at higher risk if there is a history of substance abuse in the family.
Why alcohol and other drugs?
Teenagers may try alcohol and other drugs for the same reasons they experiment with other behaviors. Here is a list of possible motivations:
• Curiosity - desire to seek out new experiences
• Standards - lack of appropriate values for maintaining health and
• Peer Group Pressure - security that comes from being like others
well-being
• Ignorance - lack of actual information about the dangers of drug and
• Insecurity - desire for affection, identity, and respect
alcohol abuse
• Boredom - lack of excitement, zest, or challenge
• Physical and Emotional Problems - overcome pain, stress, and strain
• Escape - refuge from problems, loneliness, or failure
• Stimulation - obtain increased physical and/or mental energy
• Defiance of Authority - rebellion against parents, school, or society
quickly and seemingly effortlessly
in general
Substance Use - Warning Signs
There are many signs and symptoms that go along with substance use and abuse. The following lists describe some of the changes that you may see
taking place in your teen, at home, or at school. Keep in mind that the majority of these behaviors and signs begin to show up after 6-9 months of frequent
substance abuse and do not show up immediately after a teen has begun to use drugs/alcohol.
Physical symptoms
• Acting intoxicated
• Bloodshot, red, or glossy eyes; droopy eyelids
• Imprecise eye movement
• Repressed physical development
• Loss of appetite or unexplained, significant weight loss (10-15 lbs in
one month)
Behavioral Symptoms
• Unexplained periods of moodiness
• Loss of motivation
• Depression, anxiety, or irritability
• Erratic levels of energy or fatigue
• Conflict within family: extreme anger or withdrawal
• Strongly inappropriate overreaction to mild criticism or simple
requests
• Loss of ability to assume responsibility
• Need for instant gratification
• Decreased int \