TEENS – Drug Abuse & Addiction

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World Health Organization defines drug addiction as follows:

“Drug addiction is the state of periodic or chronic intoxication detrimental to the individual and to society, produced by the repeated consumption of a drug (natural or synthetic). Its characteristics include (1) an overpowering desire or need (compulsion) to continue taking the drug and to obtain it by any means (2) a tendency to increase the dosage, and (3) a psychic (psychological) and sometimes physical dependence on the effects of the drug.”

This is emerging as a challenge that requires immediate attention and policy intervention from Indian government.  Young generation is the premise to build future of the nation and if current generation is deeply immersed with such addiction, nation will be deprived of productive human resources in the future.

Teens who abuse drugs may have a greater risk of developing an addiction when they grow adults. Drugs have a more drastic effect on children and teens than on adults because the brain continues to develop until about age 20. In young age alcohol and other drugs disrupt brain development. They negatively affect a person’s memory and ability to respond to stimuli and to respond to stressful situations.

Anyone who tries a drug initially never plans to become addicted. Just because a teen has tried drugs or alcohol doesn’t mean he/she will become an addict. There is difference between drug abuse and addiction. Addiction occurs when frequent usage of drugs effects brain functions over time. The transition from voluntary to compulsive drug use reflects changes in the brain’s natural inhibition and reward centers that keep a person from exerting control over the impulse to use drugs. Developing brains are also more prone to addiction. Teenager’s brain adapt more quickly to repeated drug use, leading to cravings and dependence.

There is no single reason why teenagers use drugs or alcohol. But here are some of the core issues and influences behind the behaviour of teenage drug and alcohol use.

Curiosity: Many teens begin experimenting with drugs and alcohol simply because they are curious and want to know what it feels like. Even if they know that drugs are bad, they don’t believe that anything bad can actually happen to them.

Peer Pressure: Peers are most influential at this stage of life. Many teens use drugs “because others are doing it”—or they think others are doing it—and they fear not being accepted in a social circle that includes drug-using peers.

Having Fun :  Past studies used to point to “having fun” as the number-one reason teens using drugs. It’s fun getting drunk or high with friends, sharing an intensely pleasurable drug-induced euphoria. Teens don’t get addicted to substance but they get addicted to the mood that the substance brings. Abused drugs interact with the neurochemistry of the brain to produce feelings of pleasure. The intensity of this euphoria differs by the type of drug and how it is used.

Lack of Confidence/ Low Self-Esteem:  A study reported that most of the teens say that they use drugs to “feel cool.” Teens’ self-worth depends on the approval of others, and their desire for social acceptance can drive them to engage in destructive behaviors, even if they know it could harm them. Teens who have low self-esteem are more likely to seek acceptance from the wrong crowd by using drugs.

Stress: Some teens turn to drugs and alcohol as a form of escapism. Many teenagers are overly stressed with a packed schedule of advanced classes and extracurricular activities. A lack of coping skills can lead them to seek an artificial method of coping with stress.  When they feel stressed or pressurized they see these substances as a way to forget existing problems and feel happier.

Misinformation: Studies show that teens are widely misinformed about the risk/dangers attached to drugs abuse. Teens who perceive little risk in using drugs are more likely to use drugs. Teens need to be educated by parents and teachers about the specific risks of drugs.

If you are concerned that your teen might be using drugs, here are some common warning signs to watch for.

Behavioural Changes:

  • Decreased interest in activities and hobbies.
  • Isolating themselves from friends or family.
  • Acting secretive.
  • Avoiding eye contact.
  • Changing friends or social circles.
  • Extreme highs and lows
  • Slurred or rapid-fire speech.
  • Unusual tiredness 

    Physical Changes:

  • Bloodshot Eyes.
  • Poor hygiene
  • Smell of smoke on breath or clothes
  • Excessive thirst or hunger
  • Sudden weight loss or gain
  • Coordination problems
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Shakes or tremors
  • Pinpoint pupils

The most common drugs abused by teens aren’t much different from those of adults. But the reasons for abuse may be different as teens often abuse a substance based on its accessibility. Teens are also more likely to take excessive amounts of drugs and alcohol because of how they perceive the risks and dangers.

Alcohal: Intake in liquid state e.g  Beer, Whisky, Rum, Vodka

Marijuana: Also called weed, pot, grass, ganja and many more other slang names. It’s get consumed by smoking and vaporizing

Prescriptions and Over-the-counter Medications: Pills, Capsules, Injections, Syrups

Smack (Heroine): is a white or brown. It can be mixed with water and injected with a needle. Heroin can also be smoked or snorted up the nose. Also called Snow, White lady, Horse, H, Eagle, Chitta, Brown Sugar, Mud

Recognition and prevention of drug use can end an emerging problem before it starts. Parents can play an important role in keeping their kids away from this curse.

Strong Bond: Have a strong bond with your child. Teens who have healthy relationships with their parents may be more likely to discuss their encounters with drugs.

  • Having at least one meal a day with the entire family present
  • Making time to talk with teenagers regularly to check in with their feelings, activities and behaviours
  • Getting to know a teenager’s friends and their parents
  • Communicating with teachers and school counselors on an ongoing basis
  • Participating in community activities that keep schools and neighborhoods safe for teenagers
  • Attending your teen’s school activities and showing support for her interests
  • Letting your teenager know every day that you love him and care about his future

Teach Your Teen How to Say No to Friends: Friends are important. Teens trust their friends, and they seek their approval. However, children need to know how to resist peer pressure and make their own decisions. If a friend offers alcohol or drugs, your child must understand the power of saying no. When surrounded by friends who avoid drugs and alcohol, saying no becomes easier. Encourage your teen to hang out with friends who choose not to use alcohol and other drugs.

Discuss Risk involved in Substance abuse: Being involved in your teen’s life is one of the best ways to prevent substance abuse. Having open and honest discussions about the dangers of drinking, drug use and peer pressure can make a huge difference. Parents who do not want their kids getting drunk and using drugs should begin by sending a strong message to their children about the importance of avoiding drugs and alcohol.

Be a Role Model: One of the most important ways parents influence their children is by being positive role models. Teens mimic what they see. That means parents should keep alcohol and other drugs away from the home. If you drink in front of your children, do so in moderation and explain why it’s important for kids to abstain from alcohol until their brains are fully developed.

Engage them in Physical & other recreational activities: Keep them busy in sports, art, music, dance or any other activity they want to pursue in life. People those who pursue their hobbies have lesser chance to get addicted.

Key Points:

  • Many teens experiment with drugs, but aren’t addicted.
  • No one who tries a drug; plan to become addicted.
  • Some people can have one drink or one hit and stop. It’s not as easy for others — especially those who have a family history of addiction.
  • Teens don’t get addicted to substance they get addicted to the mood that the substance brings.
  • Teens who perceive little risk in using drugs are more likely to use drugs.
  • Many shy teenagers who lack confidence report that they’ll do things under the influence of alcohol or drugs that they might not otherwise.
  • Recognition and prevention of drug use can end an emerging problem before it starts.
  • The most common drugs abused by teens aren’t much different from those of adults. But the reasons for abuse may be different as teens often abuse a substance based on its accessibility

“Let’s raise children who don’t have to recover from mistakes of childhood in their youth”

Manish Sharma

Parenting Coach

Choose your Reaction!
  • Drug abuse is a common problem nowadays and many teenagers as well as their parents are facing challenges to get rid of this.
    As a parent, I’m very thankful to you (Manish Sir) for sharing this article with us which is really important and beneficial to the upcoming parents of teenagers.
    As I got this topic, I’ve decided to aware other parents about this too.

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    • It’s really very precise and to the point information sir.
      Really helpful.
      Thanks

      Reply
    • A much-needed discussion, especially detailed analysis of how they are addicted , like not for substance but the mood it creates …proves the vital part played in the kid’s brain. All the topics to be carefully read and kept as a guide when nurturing a teen..thank you sir for the valuable information

      Reply
  • Such an informative and eye opener blog. Must reach to every parent much in advance before their children enter into teenage.

    Reply
  • Very informative and useful. Thank you so much Manish sir for shareing. How much it is important for parents to have the knowledge of drugs as its becoming part of every teenage. And what effects is left over the whole family. It’s very important to guide parent as well as children.

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    • Thanks for sharing on this topic . It is very informative n helpfull . Need of the hour .

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    • A complete article that not only unfolds an awareness but also tells about the reason, symptom and also the solution.
      True that nation will be deprived of productive human resources in the future.
      Vigilant living should be the way of life for the parent and he should set an example to his ward as everything is caught than taught.

      Reply
  • Thank you Manish Sir for this amazing article. It is an eye opener for parents and also covers the guidelines on how a parent can be vigilant when it comes to teenagers and avoid the dangers of drugs and saving our society from this abuse. The article has also made us realize the different forms of drugs available in natural and synthetic forms.

    Another important message is to be present in our children’s lives by loving them unconditionally, communicating with them everyday and being a family, which has become a challenge in our busy schedule. It compels parents to come together to save the society from this EVIL!!

    I could’nt help re-writing this strong slogan again !!!

    “Let’s raise children who don’t have to recover from mistakes of childhood in their youth”

    Reply
  • Very informative. Points on how to keep them away/engaged so that they don’t get addicted are very specific and useful

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  • Very informative and useful message for this generation. This should definitely reach all the parents of all ages. Thank you Manish sir for such a wonderful article.

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  • Really insightful, especially the techniques on how parents can manage such a tough situation. It is well written and contains sound, practical advice. Thank you and keep these good articles coming.

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  • Very informative article. Very well articulated with lots of information on how to avoid such situations.

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  • Thank you Manish Sir for such an enlightening article.
    It is human nature to feel that nothing bad will happen to me. As a parent we do read about drug abuse n addiction, but keep thinking that this won’t happen with my child. So 1st we must accept the possibility of such unfortunate situations in our family too.
    And then take at most precautions as we can by actively being involved in child’s life.
    This article well explains the ways in which parents can be aware of child’s life.

    Also, I am grateful that I got the opportunity to get trained by you as a Parental Coach. You are indeed a great trainer. Thank You once again.

    Reply
  • Eye opener article. As a parent we need to remain cautious on all these ill elements existing in society. Our children never want to enter into these habits but they than too are dragged away due to peer pressure, wanna look cool in my circle, this not gonna do any harm misconceptions.

    We ourselves need to be well informed and also share the long term disastrous effects with child in positive manner. As a role model, a parent need to present the harmful consequences in harmless module.

    In happy journey of childhood, a parent need to eradicate all hurdles and thorns by involving child so that the destination of youth is rejoicing and enjoyable.

    Reply
  • One of the most important discussion parents need to have with their kids in teenage. The article is well structured to guide parents to avoid the much awaited consequences of such things in today’s scenario with required steps described in a very simple and articulated way. Thanks for sharing and bringing in light this much needed article for Parents and teenagers in today’s time. If possible Parents should share this article with their teenagers as well, if they hesitate to discuss such things with them in order to satisfy their Rationales and to make the further discussion much easier with them so the consensus can be established much easier btw Parents and their kids.

    Reply
  • Worth Reading.
    Must read by all the parents as in gernal we are not aware about the importance of addressing this issue and ignore it.

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  • Precisely pointed insights, feeling blessed to be coached by Manish. Thank you so much for creating this deep need of the second platform and so excited to be the part of edifying team of parenting coaches.

    Reply
  • Very informative and will enable parents to be aware of this evil which is a big challenge. Monitoring a teenager will surely help us as parents to guide them in the right direction. Thanks, Mr. Manish for this article which is so clear and apt.

    Reply
  • Very well explained. Very much informative. Every Parent must read.

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  • Excellent read, information worth spreading and precisely put.

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  • Very informative and eye opener, I think this is a real burning problem. Children are future of our nation ,necessary steps are to be taken to spread awareness amongst parents and schools must also take initiative. Thank you Manish sir for your efforts and sharing valuable information

    Reply
  • Today it is very difficult to save our children. Mostly parents avoid to discuss about all these things. In this circumstances this article is valuable. If Parents will share this article to their children they will get solution.

    Reply
  • “Teens don’t get addicted to substance but they get addicted to the mood the substance brings”
    For me this statement is “hitting the nail on the head “…and may be a starting point for us in our journey to raising children who refrain from drug abuses…..the practical solutions provided by Mr Manish Sharma can definitely provide a strong guideline for parents wanting to achieve the above.

    Reply
  • Very informative and deep information about TEENS – Drug Abuse & Addiction with its solutions.

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    • Must read article which contains detail information about Drugs, Abuse & Addiction. Worth reading and worth to be implemented. It’s a eye opener for parents as well as for the Teens so as to protect them from ruining their life. Thanks you Manish Sir . Healthy teen healthy Nation.

      Reply
  • Thank you sir for a clear, concise and valuable article on this subject. The causes and prevention are explained in a structured way.

    Reply
  • The article is indeed written on the current senario where parents are indeed juggling with their own attributes to what they want in their children and what they actually behave like

    Anything that happens is for a reason and these addicts have stories behind them which is unheard

    Manish sir the parameters that you have covered are indeed tool in de addiction and can be boon in lives of many

    The information imparted and the solutions and remedies are all stated very clearly and up to mark

    Reply
  • The article was really very Informative and eye opener.Need to be published and posted on regular basis to spread awareness and to know how not to become victim of disasterous,life spoiling things. PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE

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  • Sir…( Mr Manish sharma) ur work is commendable as a PARENTAL COACH

    Reply
  • This is an eye opener, as parents sometimes we don’t see child’s stresses and ignore their mood shifts as basic teenage attitude. This blog gives more awareness about what abuse and addiction is. Also suggests some preventive measures to be taken as parents.

    Reply
  • Thankyou! Manish
    This research is really helpful to understand the teen’s keen interest towards substance abuse. Its really making difference in my understanding before and after going through this research. Must read article

    Reply
  • Well explained article on drug abuse. Must be read by all parents

    Reply
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