The drug epidemic in our country continues to worsen with each passing year. The group that seems to be hit hardest are the teenagers of our society. In 2003 it was found that 8th graders, ranging in age for 12 to 14, have a 30.3% chance of having partaken in the abuse of an illegal drug or misused a prescribed pharmaceutical for the purposes of recreation. With statistics like that, one must wonder how it is possible to combat such a problem. Although the odds seemed stacked against success, there are ways to fight against drug abuse in teenagers.
The first way to defeat drug use is through education or drug rehab for teenagers. While traditional programs like DARE and in classroom training have been attempted with limited success solicited from teenagers, it appears more direct education, such as a “Scarred Straight” format often work better. In situations where teenagers are taught from the perspective of experience or direct example, instead of hypothetical or “what if” education, the gain more benefit and are more likely to stay away from drugs.
Another way to help fight teenager drug abuse is through example and conversation. If your teenager sees you casually smoking pot, or making references that say, “It’s just weed, it’s no big deal,” they are likely to find other drugs “no big deal”. Talking to teenagers and setting specific boundaries helps define how their outlook will play a part when they are confronted with the option to use drugs.
At times, a teenager might already be involved with drugs and the goal may be to keep them away from making it worse for themselves or helping them find the road back clean living. In mild cases, professional counseling can help. For the more extreme cases, a teenage rehabilitation or teen boot camp might be necessary to help them get their lives back in order and back on track. Often these boot camps can help a teen get clean and sober as well as back into school and family life.
With the use of drugs by teenagers increases year after year, it is important to have the right tools in your arsenal to ensure your teenagers stay on the clean path.
