Over the last 10 years, trade and consumption of illegal drugs and teen drug abuse rates have risen exponentially. With teen drug use at an all time high, many parents are feeling more and more hopeless everyday in dealing with this teen drug epidemic that has now risen to a fevered pitch. What is even more alarming, is that not only is teen drug use at an all time high, but there is also more access to drugs and alcohol then ever before, as well as there being more different kinds of drugs then ever before. Because of this lethal combination of increased access to drugs and a larger variety of them, mixed with a society that is drawing more accepting to recreational drug use every, creates a crisis situation that many parents do not even realize exists.
What Can Parents Do?
One of the best things parents can do to curtail teen drug abuse, is to educate and familiarize themselves with the drugs that teenagers may be taking. Because many drugs teenagers abuse today can be extremely dangerous, it is also just as important to educate your child on the different types of drugs that there peers may be using, and explain to them the serious risks and side effects that can come from even a short period of use.
By properly educating yourself, as well as your teen about drug abuse, you will be far better prepared to spot the early warning signs of drug use, and know how to properly resolve the situation.
Different Kinds of Drugs That Teens Abuse
There are many illegal drugs that are being abused today that were simply not around for many parents growing up 20-30 years ago. Also, many illegal drugs that are available today are more potent than ever before, which can lead to more overdoses and potentially fatal consequences. These drugs include:
- Marijuana
- Cocaine
- Crack
- Heroin
- Hydrocodone
- Inhalants
- Ecstasy
- LSD
- Psychedelic Mushrooms
- Prescription Drugs
- Crystal Meth
It’s almost like the list goes on forever. But parents can’t lose hope. The fight is only beginning.
Don’t Lose Hope
It is often common for most parents to become increasingly angry when they find out their teen is abusing drugs and alcohol and begin to become depressed and despair. What’s important to remember is that drug and alcohol abuse are complicated problems, and cannot be solved with anger and punishment alone. But there are steps parents can take to combat this problem head on.
- Educate Yourself – As parents on of the most important things you can do is to educate yourself about drug abuse and familiarize yourself with the different kinds of drugs your teen may be using. It is important for parents to know this information inside and out, so they will be able to more easily spot any suspicious behavior that may be stemming your teen abusing drugs.
- Educate Your Child – Many parents may not realize, but educating your child about the dangers and side effects of drug use may be one of the best things you may ever teach your child. If a teenager knows exactly how serious the consequences of using some of these drugs are, they will be more likely to avoid them in the future.
