What You Need To Know About Teenagers And Drugs To Shape Your Child’s Life

What you need to know about teenagers and drugs to shape your child’s life:

As a parent, navigating your child through their teenage years is one of the most challening periods you’ll experience as a parent (it’s tougher than raising toddlers, and I know because I have both).

The challenges don’t get easier as your children grow older, particularly in a world where we’re becoming more and more exposed to various dangers and concerns and drugs are on the rise, leaving parents unsure of how to protect and prevent drug abuse in teens.

In the UK there has been a post-pandemic spike in substance abuse amongst young people, while in the USA, the likes of fentanyl is destroying many thousands of lives.

With more young people entering drug rehab than ever before, it is important to set our teenagers on the right pathway to avoid the perils of drug abuse and addiction and crime amongst other consequences.

So, if you’ve got a child entering their teens, here is some advice to help both you and them:

 

Understand the Risks and Motivations

It is common for teenagers to want to experiment with drugs for a variety of reasons whether it be curiosity, stress, or even escapism. As a parent we should look to understand the motivations and appeals of drugs so as to address the root cause of why your teen might consider drugs.

The risks of drugs should also be researched fully, and relayed to your child in order to educate your child in the risks involved, using case study examples and age-appropriate videos and films. Cover how drugs can interfere with brain development, increase mental health problems, cause accidents and lead to addiction.

 

Encourage Open Communication

One of the best things you can do with your teenager is develop an environment which encourages open communication. This doesn’t have to be solely focused on drugs, but every part of their life. Create a non-judgemental environment that is built around active listening and honesty. This will allow you to get a more open conversation about drugs and their perspective on them and also be a kind ear for them to discuss concerns or temptations.

 

Set Clear Expectations and Consequences

Setting boundaries is the key to positive parenting. By clearly communicating your family’s values around drug use and the reasons behind them, can set a precedence and a clear line between right and wrong.

Alongside this, set consequences and be consistent with enforcing them when required.

However, discipline should be well balanced with support.

So, while it should be clear to your teen that there will be consequences to bad behaviour, they should also be aware that your love is unconditional and they can always approach you if they are struggling.

 

Be a Positive Role Model

Ultimately, practice what you preach. Children and teenagers emulate the behaviour of the adults in their life and if you’re turning to drugs or alcohol during times of stress, you’re normalising that behaviour and the chances are, they will do the same.

If you do have a history of drug use and are recovered, then you could consider sharing your experience in a way that emphasises you learned your lesson and got your life back on track. This can offer first-hand experience of the dangers of drugs.

 

Encourage Healthy Activities and Interests

Finally, encourage your teen to participate in healthier extracurricular activities. By engaging in the likes of sport and other hobbies they can discover a sense of purpose, boost confidence, reduce stress and provide them with a like-minded group of people to create healthy friendships with.

Support your teenager in exploring their interests and passions.

Whether it’s music, art, sports or volunteering, helping them find fulfilling and engaging activities can create a strong foundation for a drug-free life.