TEENS AND ADDICTIONS

By Tina:

The teenage years are a period of growth and exploration.  It is a time when teens move out of the protected world of home and move into a larger world full of adventure.  Where there is adventure, there is also danger.  Part of the danger for teenagers is not having solid information along with peer pressure and limited experience.  All of these pieces fit together putting teens at risk of making bad choices due to ignorance.  These bad choices sometimes lead to addiction.

Hmmm, which one should I try?

So what exactly is addiction?  According to The Merriam-Webster Dictionary, New Edition, addiction is the quality or state of being addicted; compulsive need for and use of a habit-forming substance characterized by well-defined physiological symptoms upon withdrawal.

Teens do not set out to become addicts.  They start out seeking excitement, trying to fit in, or just looking to escape boredom.  Teenagers may try smoking marijuana because they are curious, because it feels good, or because they want to feel "grown up".  It is difficult to know which teen will only experiment with marijuana and which will develop a serious addiction.  Addiction is a dangerous problem facing parents, teenagers, and society at large.  Here are some reasons that teenagers can easily get addicted to legal or illegal drugs:

• Teenagers think that experimenting with drugs and alcohol during adolescence is common.
• Teenagers do not often see the link between their actions of today and the consequences of tomorrow.
• Teenagers have the tendency to feel indestructible and immune to the problems that others experience.

The six most common addictions in teenagers are:

1. Alcohol
2. Smoking
3. Prescription Medication
4. Inhalants
5. Over-the-Counter cough, cold, sleep, and diet medications
6. Marijuana

According to http://www.alcohlism-and-drug-addiction-help.com/, the following are common signs of teen addiction:

• Dip in performance levels at school.
• Dramatic and unexpected change in attitude.
• Often isolating and spending unusual amount of time alone in room.
• Becoming increasingly secretive.
• Has become lethargic and seemingly depressed, losing interest in activities previously enjoyed.
• Eyes are red or watery and/or pupils are dilated or constricted.
• Disruptive at school and in trouble often.
• Marks, sores and stains on hands and arms.
• Slurred speech and difficulty communicating.
• Goods or money have gone "missing" around the house.
• Sudden emotional outbursts and mood swings.

• New friends with little interest in old ones.

If you were to find out that your teen has an addiction, it would be emotionally devastating for your entire family.  Actually, it is a parent's worst nightmare.  The following suggestions are from http://www.byparents-forparents.com/.  These six suggestions concentrate on how to help your teen.

1. Focus on a goal which can help your teen heal rather than punishing him or her.
2. Find a good therapist or support group.
3. Help your teen build self esteem and reinforce their strengths.
4. Keep open and ongoing communication with your teen.  Stay open-minded and honest.  That is what family is all about.
5. Practice tighter parenting.
6. Let go of the blame.

It is normal for those closest to an addict to find it hard to see the problem.  If you suspect that your teen is having a problem with addiction, remember to always trust your instinct.  You are feeling that way for a reason.  Try to speak openly and freely with your teen.  Do not be judgmental or angry because your teen will probably have a defensive reaction.  Parenting your teen through the challenges of addiction will be very difficult for you, your teen, and your entire family.  With dedication and determination, you will be surrounding your teen with the essentials to help him or her fight their addiction.  Remember, the sooner you get help, the more rapidly your teenager will be able to start making positive changes.