Parents, Are You Taking Enough Care to Protect Your Teens from Illicit Drugs' Influence?

The rising numbers of teens abusing drugs has become a serious concern in the United States. According to National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), 24.20% of teens between the age group of 12-17 years are influenced by illicit drugs. The numbers are big and the problems associated with it is even bigger. Therefore, parents should take good care of their teens. This article discusses how to deal with teens and keep them away from illicit drugs.

Teenage is a formative stage

At this stage, your teen is in a tender age-group. Their judging qualities are not mature because the brain is in a developing stage. Research shows that there are serious consequences of drugs on the developing teen brain. Teens are more vulnerable to the negative effects of drugs. In this situation, it is important that parents take a keen interest in ensuring that teens don't fall prey to illicit drugs.

Parents should guide their teens against drug abuse and help them in making appropriate choices. At this stage, parents should give their teens the required attention and keep a track of who they are with, what is going on in their social lives and what kind of activities they engage in. As a parent, you should guide your teen in enhancing their skills, knowledge and personal qualities.

Be open

When parents get to know their teen is using drugs, their natural reaction will be to panic or shout. But, you need to have a control on your emotions, talk to your teen. Speak out on the harmful consequences of illicit drugs – how they affect their health, academic career, family and social relations.

Research has shown that teens whose parents talk on the negative consequences of illicit drugs are 50% less likely to take drugs than those whose parents don’t talk on such matters. Therefore, it is important for parents to encourage a relaxed conversation with their teens and educate them about the dangers of drugs.

Be an inspiring role-model

To inculcate family values, you need to be a role model for your teen. Your good behavior is likely to help them build good habits and a positive attitude. Research shows that teens whose parents, grand parents or elders consume illicit drugs are more likely to follow them and consume drugs.

Right-minded peers

Encourage your teen's relationships with peers who are like-minded. For example, if your teen is interested in sports, encourage him/her to choose peers who share the same interest. Another way to keep your teen active and busy is, encourage him to participate in community programs. This will develop teen’s social confidence and understanding of their community.

Therefore, parents should monitor their teens and talk to them about illicit drugs, the earlier the better.

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