Substance Abuse and the Young

When asked to picture someone who abuses alcohol or drugs, different images may come to mind: perhaps we think of the homeless person panhandling at the intersection; perhaps it’s the latest celebrity to sign themselves into a rehab program; perhaps it’s an athlete or a politician who makes the headlines for a DUI. But what if that abuser is a teenager, a college student, or a young adult? And what if they are your son, or your daughter?

“According to the 2004 Monitoring the Future study, 21.5% of 8th graders, 39.8% of 10th graders, and 51.1% of 12th graders reported using any illicit drugs within their lifetimes” (National Institute on Drug Abuse and University of Michigan, Monitoring the Future 2004, Data from In-School Surveys of 8th, 10th, and 12th Grade Students, December, 2004). Remember, their “lifetime” has only been a few years!

Substance abuse is a reality among young people. It is also no respecter of gender.
“Boys generally use substances to feel a sensation or for social status. Girls, however, are more vulnerable to substance abuse and addiction, as they get hooked faster” (Stressed or Depressed, p.77).

Since 1971, the National Survey on Drug Use and Health has surveyed Americans, 12 years old and up, regarding their drug and alcohol habits. Ages 18 to 25 constitute the peak period of drug and alcohol use. In 2002, 22 % of Americans between ages 18 and 25 were abusing or dependent on some substance. According to Partnership for a Drug-free America, abuse of painkillers is now on the rise with medicine cabinets being raided for Vicodin, OxyContin, Ritalin, cough syrup or Sudafed.

Statistics are informative but they don’t answer the questions: “Why would someone choose to use drugs?” and “What do I do if it’s my child?” Sadly, there is no simple answer for either question.

The reasons for drug usage are often the same whether a person is 15 or 55. There is a desire to reduce stress and tension, lift a negative mood, cope with difficulties, or increase self-confidence. The complicating factor for teens is that their “still-developing brains are particularly vulnerable to the damaging effects of substance abuse. When a teenager or young adult starts using drugs or alcohol, he disrupts the brain’s natural development especially in the prefrontal cortex responsible for decision making. He often stops maturing while using substances and has difficulty with judgment” (Stressed or Depressed, p.79-80).

Although there is no formula for success, there are some things every parent can do.

• Work at your relationship with your son or daughter
• Model and teach healthy life skills for dealing with problems
• Help them learn to identify their feelings and stressors
• Be aware of warning signs and risk factors
• Seek counseling, medical, or other professional help when needed

©2006, Associates in Christian Counseling, all rights reserved.

If you are struggling with a son or daughter involved in substance abuse, call 336-896-0065, ext. 203 for help.