The incidences of teens using drugs and other substance abuse are on the rise. Unknowingly these teens put their health and safety at high risk. But do you know what circumstances take them to this stage of destroying themselves, let’s see some of them

Common risk factors for teen drug abuse are

• Mental or behavioral health conditions like anxiety, depression, etc.
• Impulsive or risk-taking behaviors
• Any traumatic event in the past
• Low self-esteem 
• A family history of substance abuse

Consequences of teen drug abuse

• Addiction – Those who misuse drugs are at higher risk of becoming highly addictive later in life.
• Sexual activity – Drug use is associated with an unplanned sexual activity which can give rise to unsafe sex, unplanned pregnancy, abortion, etc.
• Mental health disorders – It can increase the risk of mental health conditions.
• Accidents – Driving under the influence of drugs can impair driving skills and put lives at risk.
• Low decisive power – The teen is not able to give a clear judgment, be it social or personal life.

Warning signs of teen drug abuse

• A sudden or extreme change in eating habits, sleeping patterns, physical appearance or performance.

• Irresponsible, lack of interest.

• Changed attitude and did not listen to anyone.

Parent’s role in helping their teens

• Know your teen’s activities - Pay attention to your teen's whereabouts. Encourage him or her to join your activities.
• Know your teen’s friend – If their friends take drugs, then this might take them to try the experiment too.
• Make certain rules and restrictions – Enforce some rules and regulations for them while partying. And if they break rules, consistently punish them.
• Set a good example – Set a good example of yourself. Try explaining to them about your bad habits and their consequences so that they can learn from it. Life is too short to make every single mistake and then learn from it. Sometimes we need to learn from other mistakes also.  
• Boost honesty - Emphasize that drug use is dangerous and if at all they do, they should make an honest confession regarding that as early as possible. So that parents can take the right action at the right time.
• Get professional help - If you think your teen is involved in significant drug use, contact a doctor, counsellor, or other health care provider for help.

Conversation plays a significant role in anyone’s relationship. Teens and parents are the most complex relation to understand as teens go through lots of hormonal changes. Talking to them can build your relationship and trust in them. The conversations you have today can help them adopt the right choices in the near future. 

(Disclaimer: The content on this site is for informational purposes only, and should not be taken as professional medical advice.  Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other health professionals for any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition.)