Teen Drug Addiction

For some, the vicious cycle of teen drug addiction begins at home when they are influenced by the addictive behaviors their parents exhibit. For example, children of alcoholics are a group of individuals who suffer the plight of their parents' alcoholism. As many as 6.6 million children lived with at least one alcoholic parent according to 1998 statistics. Many researchers attest to the fact that familial influence is the primary reason children of alcoholics seek solace in the comforting effects of alcohol. Growing up as the child of an alcoholic parent creates a great deal of pressure to handle home front issues at a very young age. The various roles forced upon children often make them assume responsibilities meant for adults; as a result, they take on personality traits that reflect mascots, enablers, scapegoats, heroes and lost children. These behaviors tend to lead to self-destructive activities, such as the perpetuation of alcoholism and teen drug addiction, as a means by which to escape the pain of a miserable home life.

Another cause of teen drug addiction is that these young adults are going through a period of growth and exploration. It is often a time when young adults will move out of the constricted and protected world of home and school and into a larger world - full of adventure and, yes, danger. Part of the danger is not having solid information to rely on. Peer pressure and limited experience act together, putting teens at risk of making bad choices out of ignorance.

Teens do not set out to become drug addicts. They start out either seeking excitement or wanting to fit in; or just looking to escape boredom. Drugs are there to answer the demand. Make no mistake about it, drugs of abuse do provide the fun and adventure teens crave - until the unanticipated bill comes due and another life is wrecked.

Changing perceptions of drugs is also a leading cause of teen drug addiction. Probably just as significant as the numbers who have tried various substances is the way teens view the dangers of drug abuse. The rate of smoking tobacco has fallen, while marijuana is seen as not very dangerous, and the rate of marijuana use has risen. This might be a result of campaigns against smoking cigarettes and in some States, the legalization of marijuana for medical use. Other classes of drugs that are seen as safer than in the past are hallucinogens like Ecstasy and LSD.

Here are some facts about kids and drug use: Forty percent of U.S. teens say they expect to use a drug in the future. One out of every five kids in eighth grade has already tried marijuana. Use of substances such as marijuana and inhalants can result in social consequences (e.g., failing in school) and physical consequences such as reduced stamina and fitness or damage to the lungs and brain. Teens who smoke cigarettes are more likely to drink alcohol. Teens who smoke and drink are more likely to use marijuana. And those who use all three are more likely to use other illicit drugs. Long-term studies show that use of other illicit drugs among youth almost never occurs unless they have first used marijuana.

The earlier one seeks help for teen drug addiction problems, the better. How is a parent to know if their teen is experimenting with or moving more deeply into the drug culture? Above all, a parent must be a good and careful observer, particularly of the little details that make up a teen's life. Overall signs of dramatic change in appearance, friends, or physical health may be signs of trouble. If a parent believes his or her child may be drinking or using drugs, here are some things to watch for:

• Physical evidence of drugs and drug paraphernalia
• Behavior problems and poor grades in school
• Emotional distancing, isolation, depression, or fatigue
• Change in friendships or extreme influence by peers
• Hostility, irritability, or change in level of cooperation around the house
• Lying or increased evasiveness about after school or weekend whereabouts
• Decrease in interest in personal appearance
• Physical changes such as bloodshot eyes, runny nose, frequent sore throats, rapid weight loss
• Changes in mood, eating, or sleeping patterns
• Dizziness and memory problems