Help for teens concerning substance abuse

Teen's Hope
Advice Pages:

Substance Abuse

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Teens - Help for Substance Abuse

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), "Drug abuse and addiction comprise a public health problem that affects many people and has wide-ranging social consequences." Unfortunately, drugs are no longer used in certain demographic areas - they can be found just about anywhere. They are also being abused by people of all kinds without regard to age, sex, race or economic class standing. Some alarming statistics about teenage drug use can be found at www.teendrugabuse.us.

Do you, or someone you know, have a problem with drugs or alcohol?

Recognize the signs of a problem. The American Council for Drug Education (ACDE) lists several warning signals and symptoms of drug abuse. It is important to watch for these signs and beware of changed behavior in yourself or your friend. Drugs can have serious effects on a person's emotions and mood, so be alert to the possibility of abuse.

Educate yourself. It is important to learn about the effects of certain drugs, so educate yourself to them. In order to help yourself or a friend, it helps to know what he/she is dealing with and how these things have an effect on his/her emotions, physical well-being, and mood. The Anti-Drug website has many valuable tools for information about all kinds of drugs: over-the-counter, club drugs, prescriptions, street drugs and alcohol. Just follow the links to where you desire more information.

Dangerous and risky effects of drug use:

Physical Problems - dry skin, chronic sore throat, liver disease, heart attack, infertility, tissue damage, malnutrition, and leukemia.
Emotional Problems - guilt, shame, remorse, depression, increase risk of suicide, anger and fear.
Social Problems - Isolation, increase risk of dropping out of school, delinquency and behavior problems.

What to do next:

Remember, your friend is still your friend - hate the drug, not the user.
Let the person know that you are aware of their problem and want to help. Do this in a private manner - just you and your pal.
Be aware of possible denial - "Breaking Denial" from drugrehabtreatment.com
Inform their parents or a trusted adult of a developing problem - the longer you wait, the worse the problem could become.
Be there for them to support and help them through their problem. Do not let them get away with abusing around you, and let them know where you stand (that you are against using drugs).
Be positive - recovery is possible and wonderful.
Below are additional resources that may help.

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