Parents Can Help Keep Teenagers Drug- and Alcohol-Free
American high school seniors who said, in 2001, that they had used these substances (and in what time frame):
Alcohol
79.7% (lifetime) 73.3% (past year) 49.8% (past 30 days)
Cigarettes
61% (lifetime) 29.5% (past year) 10.3% (past 30 days)
Cocaine
8.2% (lifetime) 4.8% (past year) 2.1% (past 30 days)
Ecstasy
11.7% (lifetime) 9.2% (past year) 2.8% (past 30 days)
Illicit Drugs
53.9% (lifetime) 41.4% (past year) 25.7% (past 30 days)
Marijuana
49% (lifetime) 37% (past year) 22.4% (past 30 days)
January 2003 — Rates of drug and alcohol use among teenagers remain stable, according to a recent National Institute on Drug Abuse report. But parents shouldn't rest easy when more than half of high school seniors admit that they have taken an illicit drug and nearly 80 percent have tried alcohol.
"Alcohol and drug use is still a major problem," says Alana M. Ginsburg, DO, pediatrician on the medical staff at Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital and Memorial Hospital West. "The only thing these surveys tell us is that all the money and effort we have put into prevention programs has kept the rise in check."
"Hands-on" parenting has been shown to reduce a teenager's risk of substance abuse. But how can you talk to your teenager about such a tough subject?
A Potential for Problems
Begin by accepting the need for a discussion before the child tries alcohol or drugs. Refusing to believe that a talk is needed — or worse, ignoring signs that the teen is already in trouble — can have serious consequences.
"Many parents live in denial that their kid would ever take drugs or alcohol, so the subject isn't approached until there is already a problem," Dr. Ginsburg says. "In today's society, no age is too young for this kind of talk."
Teenagers require especially delicate handling. One reason such talks are difficult or awkward is that teens experience rapid physical changes, such as sexual development, and emotional changes, such as growing feelings of independence and responsibility. Relationships with the parent change from adult/child to adult/adult, so it's important that you not make the teen feel like a child.
"If teenagers feel they are going to be judged or punished, they will resist communicating about their behavior and listening to the potential risks of substance abuse," Dr. Ginsburg says. "What works is the parents letting the teenager lead the conversation and feel in control. A parent should never forcefully accuse the teen of substance abuse, especially if there is no hard evidence. That only leads to rebellion."
Other tips for addressing alcohol and drug issues:
- Do not start a conversation if the teenager is impaired
- Learn about GHB, ecstasy and other drugs popular with teens
- Make sure the teen knows the short- and long-term effects of substance abuse
- Assure your teen that he or she can talk honestly with you
- Set a good example
- Be aware of your teen's friends and activities
Seek help if you are concerned about your child's substance abuse problem, especially if the problem might be responsible for declining grades or illegal activity or if the child is a threat to himself or others.