Looking For Info About Substance Abuse?Statistically, more teenagers are trying various substances earlier than the statistics read in the past. Although, the general statistics are declining about youth substance abuse in regards to the average percent of 8th, 10th, and 12th graders who have tried or used a substance in the past month, year, or lifetime, the numbers still seem to be increasing. Many teens try alcohol, tobacco, crack cocaine, marijuana, prescription pills, inhalants, and various other drugs before they reach the 6th grade. Youth substance abuse is an even bigger problem among high school students, especially as new high schools are built, and students from different schools all come together, each with their preferred substance. In many cases, the younger brother or sister, gets their first drug from their older, high school aged sibling. There are different reasons for the cause of the general youth substance abuse concern, and even though there are prevention substance abuse programs, children find that trying the drug is simpler to "fit in" than the prevention methods. Many children use substances because they may feel it makes them feel older, or maybe it's just predisposed genetically. Whatever the case is, the youth substance abuse is a big problem across the nation, especially as it increases teen death and injury, suicides, violence, pregnancy, and sexually transmitted diseases. Youth substance abuse can be prevented. As a parent, all you have to do is talk openly and honestly with your children. By leaving the discussion open and free of fear, your children will be more prone to talking to you when drugs come up between his friends. By talking with your children early on you can potentially prevent youth substance abuse concerns. You'll want to talk about what you expect of your child's behavior and decisions toward alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. It's actually been confirmed, statistically, that children and teens who are involved in meaningful activities, such as church, sports, and other after school groups will be less likely to try drugs. But, that doesn't mean that you should overload your child with activities. Pick one or two groups and stick with them, until your child decides he's grown out of the group, and at that point pick another. Preventing youth substance abuse is all up to you as a parent. You'll want to set an equal consequence for a bad behavior, and consistently carry out the penalty. On the same not, you'll want to consistently praise your child for good behaviors. Lastly, another great way to prevent youth substance abuse, is to know your child's friends and their parents. Remember to always keep the doors open for your child to talk to you no matter what the situation or your child's age, and you'll be one step closer to preventing youth substance abuse problem in your home. Even though more of today's youth are trying substances, it doesn't mean that your child has to. |