So, what can we do to prevent this from happening? The answer to that question lies in knowing what the reasons are that our teenagers start using drugs to begin with. There are many reasons why this happens, and we must educate ourselves to better understand them.

Low self-esteem can be a prime factor in why teens begin to experiment with illegal drugs. If a teenager does not feel he belongs or isn’t part of the “in” crowd, he may be an easy target for other teens drug users who will convince him that it is “cool” to live this lifestyle.  For this reason, parents, teachers, and other adult role models must encourage teenagers to help build their self confidence. We need to teach them about self worth and how to know that their lives are too valuable to even consider experimenting with drugs.

Another reason that teens may fall into drug abuse has to do with the lifestyles their parents lead. Children are always watching and listening to what goes on around them. If they see their parents using drugs, chances are, they may follow in their footsteps. It is the responsibility of the parent to raise their children in a stable, loving home that does not involve any type of drug abuse.

Being a victim of child abuse is also a common reason for teens to start using drugs. They may start abusing drugs to help relieve the pain that has been inflicted on them both physically and emotionally. The depression that occurs from being abused can be so strong, that teenagers can become addicted to drugs within a very short time period.

Teen drug abuse must be stopped immediately. As adults, we need to instill the value of life in them from a very young age. If we see a teen reaching out for help, we must be there to lend a helping hand. We must take every step to get teens drug use to stop and prevent others from going down this deadly road.

*Alcohol is the most common drug used by teens.
*Teens who come from families where drug use is present are more likely to use drugs.
*Teenage drug use drastically affects growth and development.
*Teens who are friends with drug users are more likely to use drugs.

It’s important to keep teens safe from drugs, as drug use can negatively affect their education, their emotional well being, their health and also because the younger a person is when they begin using drugs, the higher their tendency toward addiction. Keeping teens safe now lays the groundwork for a healthy, drug-free life.

So, how can drug use be prevented? It’s important to remain an active role model in your teenage son or daughter’s life – teens who feel they have family support are not as likely to become involved in teen drug use. It’s also crucial to openly discuss the risks of the teens drugs used. Many parents assume that their kids know that drug use is bad and that their kids know they would disapprove of it – don’t assume! Talk with your teen about drugs. Make it very clear that you are against teen drug use. Discuss why drugs are so harmful as well as how to say no when they are offered drugs.

If you feel that your child may already be involved in teen drug use, you need to take action right away. It is important to understand teens and drugs. Some signs and symptoms of teen drug addiction include:

*Teens coming home and going straight to their bedroom.
*Declining grades.
*Poor hygiene and lack of proper grooming.
*Sudden weight loss or weight gain.
*Change in social life – new friends, new clothes and a new attitude.
*Strange mood patterns.
*Strange sleeping habits.

If you find that your teen is in fact using drugs, you need to take action right away. Talk with your teen about getting them the help they need. Many teens may become angry, but you need to be authoritative and take control of the situation whether they are willing to seek help or not. Teen drug use is not something to be taken lightly and as a parent, getting them the teen drug addiction help they need is the most loving, responsible thing you can do.