01.16.09
Teenage Narcotic Use
Teen use of narcotics is an overwhelming problem among parents today. With the pressures of high school, not being able to connect with your teen during these times of young adulthood can be difficult as they are learning and growing in their own ways. Making mistakes is part of being a teenager but being a go-to parent and teaching your teen the consequences of Substance Abuse, is most important.
If your child has a substance abuse problem, including marijuana use, get them to a local teen group meeting. They are out there and more frequent than you think. You could also attend some Narcotics Anonymous meetings yourself. Even though pot’s not a narcotic, I promise hearing some of these people tell their stories would have an effect on you.
Marijuana has always been said to be the ‘gateway drug’ and I strongly agree with that. Teens feel like ‘oh, well its just a little weed, what could it hurt?’ but that kind of thought process is one that you then access EVERY TIME your faced with a new drug. ‘Oh well I did try weed and nothing happened, so why not cocaine?’ Once that initial boundary is crossed its hard to find the same mentality as you had before.
You may ask yourself, what can I do to prevent my teen from becoming so irresponsible and naive? Its simple, recognition is the first step. combined with the knowledge to do better, it can make approaching your son/daughter much easier and provide less tension.
Here is a great Group Support Link.
- Recovery Connection: This website focuses more on helping you find group support. Many argue that group support is a good first step is helping you realize that you have a problem. The website aims to connect you to every possible group support out there ranging from Overeaters Anonymous to Codependents Anonymous. Search within your state for a support Teen Narcotic group meeting near you
Keeping your Teen clear of drugs, will help prepare them for the tedious road into Adulthood. Help give your teen the opportunity of a life time and be DRUG FREE. Talk to them and keep them, as well as yourself, INFORMED.
timc said,
January 20, 2009 at 4:05 pm
My cousin died after an overdose with oxycotin. He had been drunk driving and flipped a car, some broken ribs and all scraped up. They wrote him a prescription and he checked himself out. When his “friend” awoke to find him dead the next morning. He was a good kid and had the world ahead of him. You never would pick him out of a crowd. No one could have guessed his issues and having talked to him early on might have saved him. Don’t wait for signs of drug use, talk to them and more important… LISTEN. At the very least you will have made an attempt and that is better than looking back and had not.