Parents often say they want to know everything that is going on in their children’s lives. But is that really true? Parents need to know that drug use generally begins months, or even years, before parents actually do become aware of their teen’s drug use. Certain topics, such as children’s sexual behavior, underage drinking, and gang violence are subjects so uncomfortable parents often
choose to ignore them, or perhaps only lightly approach them, often cloaked in denial, hoping these issues will not affect their family. Parents recognize that the consequences of these issues can be frightening, even deadly. However, silently clinging to the denial and hope that these issues will not be part of their children’s lives can create an equally devastating consequence. And no topic is any more frightening to a parent than teen substance abuse.
Parenting presents continuing challenges. Putting on blinders will never create resolutions. The subject of teenage drug abuse is very wide and multifaceted, involving many drugs and their variations.
Putting on blinders will never create resolutions. The subject of teenage drug abuse is very wide and multifaceted, involving many drugs and their variations. 
It will not be possible to cover all information regarding teenage drug abuse here, but rather it is our desire to broaden your information so that you may feel more confident about parenting decisions surrounding teenage drug use as it pertains to your children.
Why do Kids use drugs? As we search for solutions that would protect our children from the perils of substance abuse, the question arises as to why they would ever want to use them at all. From an adult perspective the repeated question is, "Who’s to blame?" Often looking to transfer responsibility, the adult population frequently points the finger of blame outward. Depending on who you ask you may hear a range of criticism that includes the media, peer influence, lack of supervision from school officials, drug pushers, and law enforcement’s lack of authority, law enforcement’s overreaction, kid’s role models, and parental indulgence, to lack of parental involvement. There is no denying that these can be contributing factors, as outside influences can be very powerful. But to ascribe blame solely on outside influences would be not only an exaggeration, but would be saying our kids are nothing more than victims of circumstance and thus would remove them from the accountability of their own choices. Where adults tend to look outward for "the answers", the kid’s explanations tend to point more towards themselves. They tend to explain it from a more personal choice, something inside them urging them on; wanting to fit in, a curiosity, or need for excitement. Understanding the teen’s perspective holds important keys.
When asked why, their reasons include those similar to the following responses:
- They want to fit in, to feel part of the group
- To rebel against adult authority
- To escape their problems
- To hide their feelings of inadequacy and low self esteem
- The thrill and excitement of taking a risk
- Wanting to feel grown up
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Jean Foye |
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