Prevention of Drug addiction in teens

Drug addiction is real, and when it is –why not we take proper precautions to preserve young minds from catastrophes of deadly drugs? Drug addiction prevention can be done by parents, friends, caretakers, etc. Here are the ways-

Ways to Prevent Drug Addiction in Teens

5 ways how can you help your teen as a parent?

• Spend time with your Teen: Often parents fail to give proper attention to children due to their busy schedules. Try to be in touch with your child even though you are away from home. Leave messages and notes or make calls and get updates on what they are doing.
• Monitor teen’s activities: Keeping checks on a child’s whereabouts, classes and hobbies can make it clearer to detect any unusual activity. This doesnt suggest you to be a parasite, but just being mindfully aware.
• Treat medical conditions, if any: Underlying pathological conditions, such as Depression, chronic pain, and anxiety, not only disturb the teen’s daily life but also increases the risk of drug addiction. Assisting your teen in coping with pain, low self-esteem and other debilitating issues is an excellent way to reduce the risk of drug addiction.
• Discussing the risks of drug addiction with teenagers: It is necessary to let your teen know about the threats and risks of using drugs. Help them know that drugs are not safe to do.
• Set a good example: Teens usually see their parents and follow them to a high extent. Hence, abusing drugs in front of them can inspire them to experiment with drugs. Thus, setting an example is probably the best way to gain a teen’s respect and to keep them off from all bad habits.

Here’s how you can help as friend-

• Encourage living a sober life: Talk to your friend about the benefits of living sober. Offer them help and reassurance that you are there for them come what may.
• Ask them if something is bothering them: Discuss concerns, but understand the communication is a two-way street. Give your friend a chance to voice their feelings and hear what they have to say. Your goal is to bring awareness about the prevention of drug addiction, not accuse them of their wrongdoings.
• Show love and support: Don’t take it for granted or assume that your friend feels that you are there for them. Spell it out, speak it out. Make sure your friend knows that you’re always there for them no matter what. Your unconditional affection will express that you have their real interest at heart.
• Keep words and acts consistent: When talking with your friend, it’s important to keep your communication clear and consistent. Be there for them- try using phrases like “I’m concerned about your health” or “I noticed some tough situations you’ve been suffering lately.”
  

Here’s how you can help as teacher/ guide-

Teenagers are likely to employ more time around instructors than at home with their parents. This can make the school’s/ college’s social environment a key factor leading the development of young people.

Research studies have shown that a positive relationship with the school builds a greater sense of attachment and  decreased potential for drug addiction. As a teacher, you can help students prevent drug addiction.

• Setting definite rules and limits that are consistently required in a reasonable and measured manner
• Keep an open mind and ask students for their opinions
• Giving appreciation and reward for their good behaviour, accomplishments and achievements
• Creating a sense of happiness and a positive outlook of learning
• Promoting constructive use of time and support in extracurricular activities
• Encourage them reading for pleasure outside of school hours
• Being a trustworthy listener.
  

As a teacher, you can support by correcting general misconceptions that young people have about other drugs.

Are you aware of the harm drug does to the teen’s life? Here you can read below

Causes and Effects of Drug addiction in Teens

Drug use poses severe negative health consequences in teens. The developing brains of teenagers are particularly vulnerable to the damaging effects of drug use, leading to life-long problems. Here’s what drugs can do to the lives of teen.

The effects include:

• Cognitive impairment includes lacks in memory, trouble learning. They also make more mistakes performing daily tasks and may have lower IQ levels.
• Poor Cognitive performance, in turn, affects the behaviour of a teen. They are prone to impulsivity and risk-taking behaviours.
• Drug addiction can trigger mental health disorders at high risk and are said to link to bipolar disorder, depression, and personality disorders. They even worsen the symptoms of enduring mental illnesses.
• Long-term use of drugs can cause damage to the brain resulting in persistent indications of amnesia and dementia.

Prevention of drug addiction in teens- Finding early Interventions and Treatments

Parents are often in the best situation to intervene. An important part of the intervention is looking out for the early signs of drug abuse in teens and getting an evaluation done from a mental health professional, to determine if drug addiction treatment is required.

Psychotherapy treatments such as cognitive behavioural therapy, motivation enhancement therapy, relapse prevention has gained ground in the treatment of drug addiction over the years as it is a highly useful tactic for treating addiction issues. You can learn more information about what drug addiction treatments are available to help teens quit drugs.

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A Caution of advice:

As a family member, friend, guide, remember that you are the most powerful force for teens. Hence being determined and informed about everything about teen drug abuse can help with prevention of drug addiction in them.

If you need more help on prevention of drug addiction in teens, do send us your queries to info@localhost. Or visit us at Cadabam’s Anunitha. Alternatively, you reach us on our 24/7 helpline number- +91 96111 94949.