Adolescent Alcohol And Drug Abuse

Dear Dr. LeCrone:

Our child has entered the seventh grade in school, and we need assistance in dealing with the new challenges she will encounter, including the potential for drug abuse. Would you please address this topic in your column?

-A reader in Oklahoma

Dear reader:

Alcohol is the most frequently abused drug with teenagers. Other abused substances are inhalants such as glue and cleaning solvents; over the counter and prescribed medications; marijuana; methamphetamines; and designer drugs, such as Ecstasy. Although some experimentation with drugs and alcohol is common during adolescence, serious problems can develop, including dependency and trying more dangerous drugs.

Since “normal adolescence” typically finds a teenager being rebellious, negativistic, resisting authority and testing limits, it is difficult at times to distinguish between these adolescent characteristics and deeper, more serious problems. Some of the behaviors associated with substance abuse during adolescence include:

Abrupt downturn in schoolwork and apathy about completing homework, special projects or other assignments.

Unexplained attendance problems.
The formation of peer relationships with individuals involved in drug use and other unhealthy activities or increased resistance to rules and limits, especially those that pertain to late night or weekend activities.
As alcohol and/or other drug abuse increases, there is a tendency toward needing more and more money, borrowing more frequently from friends and parents, or even resorting to theft to purchase alcohol and drugs.

Some of the behaviors noted above can also be signs of other problems. Parents may want to consult with the adolescent’s physician in order to help determine the cause of behavior problems.

Peer pressure remains one of the chief reasons that teenagers become involved in substance abuse. The ability to resist involvement in drug and alcohol use comes from an inner strength based on a healthy self-concept and the ability to resist conforming to the norms of a group practicing unhealthy behaviors. Other reasons teenagers try alcohol or drugs are; they are curious about the effect alcohol or drugs may have on them, they are unhappy or they are simply testing the limits set by parents and society.

Parents should openly and regularly discuss the problems of using alcohol and drugs and tell their teenagers that this behavior is absolutely not permitted. Parental involvement may be the single most important step in reducing the risk of alcohol and drugs among teens

Copyright © 2006 Harold H. LeCrone, Jr., Ph.D.