Drug use among teens is a growing concern as statistics show that more than two million 12- to 17-year-olds reported using drugs in the last month. [1] While many teens begin drug use by experimenting, some may not be able to stop once they’ve started, leading to regular drug use and addiction. Many teens may not realize the dangers of using drugs, so educating them is critical. Let’s explore the importance of teen drug abuse educational resources that can help empower teens to make informed decisions.
Continued after video:
Types of Teen Drug Abuse Educational Resources
Teens have many resources right at their fingertips regarding educational resources that can help explain the dangers of drugs. These include a variety of sites such as:
- National Institute on Drug Abuse – https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/parents-educators
This excellent resource discusses the causes and consequences of drug use and addiction.
- Friendly Confidential Drug Advice – https://www.talktofrank.com/
Here, teens can get upfront and honest information about drugs and drug use.
- Above the Influence – https://abovetheinfluence.com/
This site provides ways to get involved in advocacy programs to help peers.
Besides these sites, there are also online courses available that teens can take to learn the truth about using drugs and the consequences that come along with it. These interactive courses can be done in the comfort of your home. There are also plenty of books available that discuss the dangers of drugs. Utilizing these resources can help teens become better informed and make good choices.
Helping Teens Understand the Risks of Drug Abuse
Some teens may think that experimenting with drugs poses no risks. But, when they discover the physical, psychological, and potential legal implications, they may think twice about their choices. It’s important to discuss these consequences of drug use with your teen [2]:
Physical Impact
- Decreased appetite
- Increased wakefulness
- Trouble breathing
- Irregular heart rate
- Increased blood pressure
- Headache
- Abdominal pain
- Heart attack
- Erratic behavior
- Stroke
- Seizure
- Coma
Psychological Impact
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Mood problems
- Hallucinations
- Paranoia
Legal Implications
- Arrest
- Criminal Record
- Incarceration
Discussing these possible consequences of drug use with your teen should clearly show how drugs can negatively impact every part of life.
Prevention Strategies
When discussing teen drug abuse educational resources, discussing prevention strategies is important. While it may be easy for parents to tell their teen to say no, it can be difficult for them when they are in a situation with friends or other peers.
Practice Saying No
Practice different scenarios with your child so they feel prepared to respond when alcohol or drugs are present. This way, your teen will be prepared when the situation arises.
Stress Reduction Techniques
Some teens turn to drugs to relieve stress. Introduce healthy stress reduction techniques, such as exercise, yoga, and meditation, to help teens get the stress relief they need without feeling like they need to turn to drugs.
Get Your Child Involved
Some teens turn to drugs because they’re bored. Be sure your teen has ample opportunities to try activities to keep them busy. When teens are active, they can stay out of trouble. Help them discover what interests them and encourage them to get involved. There are many sports, school clubs, and extracurricular activities to keep your teen busy. In the process, they may also find an activity they are passionate about and want to explore further.
Teach About Reliable Sources
Your teen must be able to distinguish between reliable sources as they learn about the dangers of drugs and those that may not be telling the entire truth. Teach them to get their information from reputable organizations and trusted health professionals and to ask you any questions about anything they may find confusing.
Have Open Conversations
Have open conversations with your teen about drug use. Be sure they feel comfortable coming to you if they face peer pressure or need someone to talk to. Knowing they have the support they need can positively impact their decisions.
Spread Awareness
One way to prevent teen drug abuse is to get your child involved in events that spread awareness. Look for community events that focus on substance abuse prevention. This will not only help to keep them on track but also help them to take an active role in their community.
Seeking Help at Ember Recovery
At Ember Recovery, we help teens with a substance abuse disorder. We focus on helping only adolescents because we know they face different challenges than adults. Our programs are geared towards assisting them to overcome their substance abuse and lead productive lives.
Learn more about our various treatment programs online or by calling us. The team at Ember Recovery is ready to help your teen get the help they deserve.
Sources:
[1] https://drugabusestatistics.org/teen-drug-use/ [2] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/effects-of-drug-abuse#Physical-effects-of-drug-misuse
Andrea Dickerson is a Licensed Therapist and Certified Substance Use Counselor who has worked in behavioral health since 1997. Currently, Andrea is the Director of Behavioral Health, overseeing the Ember residential treatment programs and YSS outpatient counseling clinics throughout Central and North Central Iowa. She became a Motivational Interviewing (MI) trainer in 2006 and provides MI trainings throughout Iowa.
Andrea specializes in working with adolescents and their families and enjoys seeing the family relationships grow through therapy. Andrea is also a CARF International Surveyor, going around North America ensuring behavioral health organizations are meeting required standards.
In her free time, Andrea enjoys cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes and Chicago Cubs, as well as being an active member of Soroptimist International of the Americas (SIA), a global organization that provides women and girls with access to the education and training they need to achieve economic empowerment. She has been a member of the SI of Des Moines club since 2012 and has been actively involved at the regional level, currently serving as Co-Governor of the Peaks to Plains Region.
Through her involvement in SIA, Andrea has been actively involved in the Dream Programs, coordinating annual Dream It, Be It: Career Support for Girls projects, which give girls the tools they need to achieve their education and career goals, empowering them to break cycles of poverty, violence, and abuse.