The three most frightening words to parents of teens are “Drugs and Teenagers”. For decades they have suffered nightmares of their children being lost in the world of illegal drug use, distribution, and law enforcement.
The connection between drugs and teenager’s is no longer the sleazy character standing on the corner offering to get them high or show them a good time anymore. It is the medicine cabinet of their own homes. Consider how many old partially used prescriptions you still have in your home. Many of these drugs have a street value of twenty dollars and more per tablet.
It is not just the prescription pain pills either, though those do command the highest prices. Prescription birth control pills are also very popular. The connection between this drug and teenagers is rather obvious on the surface but often teens take them for possible side effects benefits. Many birth control pills are said to aid in the battle against acne. Whether this is true is irrelevant to a desperate teen.
While cocaine and marijuana are the most common topic in any “Drug abuse and Teenagers” discussion they are not the most popular drug and alcohol with teens. Adderall and Ritalin are favored for getting through testing periods at school. Then drugs like Xanax and Klonopin are purchased to ‘come down’ from the high of the amphetamines.
Schools are hard pressed to keep track of which students should be taking these drugs and which students should not. It is possible that even if a teacher knows your teenager is in possession of one of these controlled substances they will assume the child has a prescription for it. Therefore it falls to you, the parent, to be aware of what your child is taking.
These drugs may have a short term benefit that can convince a teenager they are harmless. In fact, they are not. One of the most common side effects of drugs like Xanax and Klonopin is suicidal ideation. While drugs like Adderall and Ritalin can cause dangerous changes in heart rhythms.
Drug use and teenagers are a combination that should always be closely monitored. The teenage body is in a constant state of flux so even minor dosage changes in prescribed medications can have surprising results. Combine these dosage changes with consumption of an unknown drug and your teenager may need emergency medical attention.
The best defense you have against your teen using illicit drugs is honest communication. Drugs and teenagers needs to be a discussion in every home. If you need more information on how to handle this topic you can find many books about teenagers and drugs.
