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Substance abuse is a rampant and serious problem among teenagers these days. Initially, parents may have a hard time determining if their children are experimenting with substances, but there are a few tell-tale signs that could clue you in on it. The earlier you find out about whether your child is abusing substances or not, the better. People who have been battling addiction for a long time begin to be dependent on what they are addicted on. It's not just a psychological need but evolves into a physiological need as well. It's a downward cycle that can easily spin out of control and have long-term repercussions.
Parents who begin to see signs that their teens are changing somehow are faced with the dilemma of how to confront them about it. What to do if you suspect substance abuse? Here are a few suggestions that you may find useful.
If you think that your teen is still experimenting with substances:
- Confrontation - There's no better way to find out than to ask. Ask your teen about whether they are experimenting with drugs, alcohol, or cigarette. What kind of substances have they experimented on (or are currently experimenting on)? Ask what they like about it and why they started experimenting in the first place. Listen carefully to the answer, and make sure to find out where they are getting the substances.
- Talk about other concerns - Aside from substance abuse, talk to your teens about other problems. Talk about their grades, the decline in their personal appearance and the quality of their relationships.
- Reiterate family rules - Remind your child that you do not permit him/her to use substances (this includes cigarettes and alcohol), and make it clear that you expect him/her to stop experimenting with these.
- Educate your child - If you are not comfortable or you think you are not going to be able to talk to your child in a compelling way about what susbtance abuse could turn into, seek help through counseling or therapy. Your child needs to know the consequences substance dependency can bring into their lives and the lives of their loved ones.
If you think that your teen's substance abuse problem is getting out of hand:
- Gather information - Find out what your teen is taking. Look through his/her things, talk to friends, familiarize yourself with what substance your teen is abusing.
- Wait for the right time - Wait for a time when your teen is lucid (not high or intoxicated) and you can talk to him/her. If you don't wait and you confront a person who is not lucid, it usually brings more problems into the picture. Nothing good comes out of arguing with somebody who's high or drunk. When you talk to your teen, ask where they are getting the drugs or alcohol and how often he/she uses them.
- Get help - It's imperative that you get help for your teen and for the family as well. Dealing with substance abuse can affect the family adversely. Without proper help, it could tear the family apart. All family members are affected by substance abuse, and each member relies on each other in order to pull through.
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