The cold, hard Truth

Substance abuse may be a definite sign of a troubled teenager. Once your child experiments with drugs or alcohol, he is at risk of misuse of the substance or in extreme cases even addiction. As a parent, you may say to yourself- No, not my child.- when one just mentions addiction. But the cold, hard truth is that, your teen’s vulnerability to misuse and addiction start with that first puff or that first drunken night. In the beginning, it may be hard to distinguish between an adolescent’s infrequent use of substances and his way into full-blown addiction.

At most times, a parent can discern his child’s problem with addiction when it is too late. If you notice any signs of possible substance abuse in your teen, keep in mind that it is better too early than too late. Address the situation while you may still have control over it. For once, infrequent use becomes addiction then your control over the situation as parent, becomes hard to grasp.

Tracing Substance Abuse back to a Teenager’s Peers

You may be wondering, how did my teen get involved with drugs or alcohol in the first place? Most of the time, a teenager’s drug or alcohol use can be traced back to his peers. Drugs and alcohol can serve as a simple social activity that a peer group may use to bond or hang out together.

But this can quickly develop into an addicting habit which is hard to break. Your teenager’s abuse of substances can practically yell that he is headed for trouble loud and clear. But no matter how glaringly obvious the signs of abuse may be, your ears must be open to hearing the call for help! Your troubled teenager will most likely not be literally calling out to you himself for assistance, but the manifestations of substance abuse in him serve as clear calls for help.

Breaking Through a Wall of Resistance

It is important to stand your ground in times like these as your teenager may meet your attempts at intervention with a tough resistance. You can break through this resistance with love for your child and your sincere concern for his well-being. Don’t back down when met head on with your problem teen’s resistance.

Any hesitation may alert your teen and lead him to try and gain control of your command as parent over your child. You may consider yourself a friend to your teenager, but you are his parent first. And as his parent, you may be naturally equipped with the maternal or paternal strength to control your child’s actions for his own good. Control need not mean you should be barking out orders like a drill sergeant, but it can also mean utilizing strategies and techniques that can open your child to your positive influence.