Why Do Kids Try Drugs?
The allure of drugs is one that many people cannot resist. We all know someone who has been affected by drug addiction. It may be your teenager at school who is using marijuana for the first time or a friend you know who has become addicted to meth. Whatever the circumstance, there are many things you can do to help prevent drug use or to help someone sober up from drug addiction.
“Everybody’s Doing It”
Teens are under a lot of pressures to try drugs – whether it comes from their curiosity, their friends and peers, or television and movies. They are also generally easy to obtain in schools and areas around schools. This makes the barrier to entry for drugs very small for many teenagers. Teenagers often do not fully think through their decisions and the consequences, often citing they’ll “just try it once” or “it’s not going to hurt me.”
As a parent, you have a lot to worry about, and keeping your teenager drug-free is just one of those worries. And many times you may be left wondering, what can you do? The first step is to understand why your child may use drugs.
8 Reasons Why Kids Use Drugs
- Other People – peers, relatives, and other social occasions.
- Popular Media – television, movies, and advertising.
- Escape or Self-Medication – using drugs to get away from life.
- Boredom – teens often need something to keep themselves occupied and may turn to drugs or alcohol.
- Rebellion – doing drugs just to spite their parents.
- Instant Gratification – using drugs to get a quick high.
- Lack of Confidence – using drugs to lose inhibitions and ease anxiety.
- Misinformation – not knowing the harm and effects of drugs.
Many of these causes can be combated by simply talking to your teen directly and having an honest conversation with them.
Facing Youth Drug Abuse
A strong family and friend support system is one of the most important tools for those battling addiction.
For those who have already been affected by drugs, staying drug-free can be even harder. The past experience of the high from drugs and their addictive properties can create an easy trap to fall into again. Luckily, many people have the tools they need to come out of recovery and stay drug-free for the rest of their lives. A strong family and friend support system is one of the most important tools for those battling addiction. Other helpful resources include a sponsorship program, which encourages someone recovering from drug addiction to not only be honest with themselves, but also to be honest with another person and accept responsibility for their actions. Many people also find support groups helpful, as they can share their personal experiences with others who have struggled through many of the same challenges they have. Others may use a church or religious belief to help them through their battle with drug addiction.
The most important aspect of staying drug-free is to support your loved ones, whether it is your teenager who is at risk for using, or a friend who has recently recovered from a drug addiction. No one is perfect, and even if they make mistakes it is important to be constantly supportive and to help that person seek treatment for their addiction.
