Adolescent use of drugs or alcohol is problematic in several ways. Teens tend to use it to a point of intoxication making them prone to health and safety issues. For example, over 90% of college sexual and physical assaults involve alcohol. We also know that early use is more likely to lead to lifelong problems, such as substance use disorder.
Your child needs to know that they can talk to you about what’s happening in their life. Create an environment where your child feels comfortable talking to you about issues they are facing. Your support is an important influence on the decisions they make. Teens need to have clear rules about drug and alcohol use. If they know they are out of bounds, your child is less likely to use them.
The ongoing challenge is to keep our youth safe and to make sure they understand the risks. Use increases as students progress through school. By the 11th grade, 1 in 4 teens report having consumed alcohol in the past month and the popularity of vaping has significantly increased.
Percentage of Union County teens who report past month use (2021):
Source: 2021 Union County Parent Perception Survey
Data represents 1,650 responses from students in grades
7th, 9th, and 11th across all school districts.
- Take opportunities to discuss alcohol and drugs. Discuss the inconsistencies between how substance use is glamorized and the real consequences to consider.
- Always be clear about your family values and expectations. Let them know why underage use is not okay. Be specific in your language. Statements like “be safe,” or “make good choices” leave the decision up to them and their idea of safety. If you expect them to not drink alcohol or use marijuana then say so. Make sure your child is aware of any family history of substance use disorder.
- Listen and guide good choices. Reinforce and praise when they make a choice to not go to an event that may have alcohol or drugs.
- Know the facts. Substance use among youth can impair brain development, negatively impact academic and athletic performance, and increas the likelihood of getting into a car crash, fight or having unwanted sex.
- Set a good example. Adults and teens alike experience tough choices when it comes to substance use. Talk over strategies to avoid risky behavior such as binge drinking or misusing medications.
CONVERSATION STARTERS
Impact of Substance Use on Health and Safety
IMPACT OF SUBSTANCE USE ON YOUR CHILD
- Alters brain development
- Reduces the ability to learn, plan, and make decisions
- Impairs athletic performance and risks eligibility
- Increases risk for unwanted sexual encounters and their consequences
- Impacts relationships with others
AVOID THE OUTCOMES
Research has shown that the developing brain and the abuse of drugs is a bad combination. Heavy use early on is shown to cause the development of substance use disorder. Being impaired by drug use can lead to: Driving crashes, accidents, fights, unwanted sexual encounters, passing out, and death. Studies also show that these products bring about mood changes, reduce inhibitions, alter one’s experience of reality, and have a negative impact on memory retention and coordination.
“The cost of underage drinking can extend far beyond legal consequences. Alcohol will have a major effect on your teen and can interfere with important milestones including his or her ability to drive, have a healthy relationship, get accepted to college, or find a good job.”
Preventative Strategies
3-7 YEARS
It is never too early to start talking to your child about safety.
Medication safety is a great place to start. Talk about the difference between vitamins, candy, and medications.
8-12 YEARS
Use everyday opportunities to talk about your values or beliefs about substance use.
Talk about ads, party culture, product promotion, current events, explore the disconnect between what is popularized and the realities of use.
13-19 YEARS
Time to get specific. Your teen will likely encounter opportunities to use.
Practice resistance skills, discuss the risks and consequences, and establish an escape for risky situations.
YOUNG ADULTS
Independence is great but your young adult still need you.
Protect your reputation, young adults are now responsible for the consequences use may have on academics, work, relationships, as well as legal issues.
What’s Being Discussed in Schools?
Actively involved in Union County Schools redesigning prevention programing, PASS will be providing students with prevention skills through Project Alert, Botvin Life Skills, DBT Steps A, and Gatekeepers.
Specifics on Drugs of Abuse
ALCOHOL
Alcohol remains the most commonly abused substance among youth who use.
Teens often drink with the intention of getting drunk. Female students are now drinking as much as their male counterparts.
MARIJUANA
Teens often consider marijuana to be less risky than other drugs.
Marijuana is available in many different forms popular among younger people such as vape pods, gummies, suckers, and other edibles. Some contain up to 80% THC.
VAPING
The popularity of vaping has superseded cigarette use among teens.
A typical vape cartridge has as much nicotine as up to 20 cigarettes. Marijuana can also be vaped.
MEDICATIONS
Misuse of medications, including over the counter drugs, pose significant health risks.
Make sure your child understands the risks. Monitor and safeguard your medications. Dispose of unused prescriptions and expired over-the-counter drugs.
Warning Signs of Drugs and Alcohol
WHAT PARENTS CAN LOOK FOR
- Loss of interest in usual activities
- Changes in grades, school or sport performance
- Changes in friend groups
- Acting aggressively or being withdrawn
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Secretive
- Increase in risky behavior
- Changes in physical appearance/hygiene
- Environmental and behavioral risk factors
- Family history
The important thing for parents to do is to pay attention to their intuition if they feel like something is off with their child, they should follow up. Spend time with your child individually, find out what is new or different. This gives you a good chance to see what is happening in their life and check on new friends or activities. A little guidance upfront can head off a bigger problem downstream. If they are isolating, or appear to be hiding something, it might be time to check out their room, social media posts, etc.
What If I Find Something?
WHAT TO DO IF YOU FIND SOMETHING
- Expect anger
- Give yourself an hour or so before addressing the situation with your child
- Write down questions and ask questions instead of making statements or assumptions
- Remain nonjudgmental – You want to hear their side
- Control your emotions
- Scare tactics don’t work
- Listen nonjudgmentally
- Monitor their spaces (room, car, social media) for additional signs of use
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