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Drugs and Alcohol: A Problem Among Teenagers

photo credit: MrB-MMX

Drugs and alcohol can be a way for a teenager to escape day to day life. Teenagers are under a lot of stressors these days and some may choose to escape reality through the use of substances or drinking. Some teens may experiment and not be addicted to drugs or alcohol (this is normal). Other teens may find it hard to stop doing the drugs or stop drinking when the party is over and they are alone. The teens that find it hard to stop may have an alcohol or drug addiction.

When a child is young it is important as a parent to talk to your child about drugs and alcohol and how they can affect the body. Children are taught about drugs in school but some people feel that the education is too little too late so it might be a better idea to broach the topic at dinner or another time when the youth is listening. These talks can usually be effective but some youth still have an interest in trying drugs or alcohol.

A teenager may become addicted to drugs or alcohol if there is a genetic predisposition to abuse. When talking to your child let them know there is an increased chance if family members are addicts. If you are a recovering addict explain the difficulty of quitting drugs or alcohol to the child. Some teenagers will abuse drugs if they have mental health problems like Depression or other problems regulating emotions. The child may feel the drug is like a medication and continue to self medicate their issues.

Some drugs that children abuse are alcohol, nicotine, marijuana, ecstasy, heroin, and cocaine to name a few. There are many drugs out there and children may be doing drugs that I did not list due to a list that would be too long for this article. When a child is doing drugs there are symptoms to look for, these include, tiredness, not feeling well, red eyes, they may start behaving differently, they may become disruptive at home and in the community, and they could start hanging out with children that do not seem to be beneficial to the youth. If these signs are noticed it is time to find out if the child is using drugs or alcohol.

A parent can try talking to the child to see if they will admit to drug use. Often times teenagers that abuse drugs will deny such behavior. The teen may even lie to protect themselves from getting into trouble. Parents can seek help when they suspect their child is abusing drugs. The school can be a good resource in finding out how the child participates and if the teachers or if the staff suspect the teenager is using drugs. A child that is perceived to be doing drugs would benefit from counseling to overcome the addiction and also to understand why they used drugs in the first place. If counseling does not work the child may benefit from an inpatient treatment center. There are lots of options for drug and alcohol abuse treatment.

Family Exercise: Getting the Family to be Healthy Together

photo credit: Ben Sutherland

Parenting and step parenting means making time for children and family activities. As a parent or step parent one wants to be a positive role model to their children. Everyone is living a busy life these days. Even children have more homework to do and more activities they are involved in. Parents can be busy with demands of work and other activities outside of work. This can lead to a decrease in the amount of time families get to spend together.

One thing to keep in mind about parenting and step parenting is the influence one has on the youth. Children follow the lead of the adults in their life. If parents engage in unhealthy eating habits children are most likely to follow suit. A parenting tip is to watch what one eats and make sure the children are given a variety of healthy options to choose from. Allow children to understand what nutrition labels mean and what is within a healthy and unhealthy range so that the children can learn to make nutritious food choices. If a child is old enough allow them to help plan out dinner with the help of a parent.

Another parenting tip includes exercising with the children. Pick an activity that everyone can like if an activity cannot be mutually agreed on pick days when a particular person will pick the activity. The family will do the activity together and encourage each other’s efforts. Parents need to get children away from the television and sedentary activities in order for children, parents, and step parents to stay healthy as a family. Remember to choose a variety of activities in order for youth to not get bored. If a child cannot do a particular activity due to developmental level or lack of coordination try to find an alternative everyone can enjoy. It may take some one on one with the child in order for them to learn the rules and way the game works before they can do the activity as a family.

Parenting help may be needed when a child loses too much weight or gains too much weight as these may be signs of an eating disorder. The child should see a counselor to assess if there are underlying issues in regards to how the child is eating or using exercise. Regular checkups should be done for any child or adult that is starting an exercise regime to make sure that the activity level is appropriate for their fitness and health level.

More often than not engaging in an exercise and nutrition program as a family will be beneficial to everyone who is involved. Children will learn how to make healthy choices that will provide a lasting impact on their health and longevity. Youth will also learn that working out can be fun when done individually or with family members. There is a built in support group when the family works out and eats healthy as a team.

Teaching Parents to have manners

photo credit: Tilemahos Efthimiadis

While sitting at the local Subway Sandwich Shop enjoying a nice hot cup of very strong coffee, and leisurely reading my 2000+ unread emails, I was suddenly and viciously attacked by a four-year old demon named Damien. I know his name because his parents used it repeatedly, yet casually, as Damien proceeded to wreak havoc on the unsuspecting patrons.

It wasn’t the child’s behavior that bothered me, as much as, the parents. They offered no apologies, and made no attempts to control the child.

Common decency would call for at least an attempt to apologize if your child starts hitting a stranger.

If a child is to learn how to be a member of a community, it must first start with the parents.