Love & Drugs: 6 Reasons Your Teen Is Abusing Drugs

By Fern Weis. Posted on Nov 1st 2012.

Why it's important to show your children some love and talk to them about the effects of drugs.

In spite of D.A.R.E. classes, warnings from caring adults and knowing the dangers of abusing drugs and alcohol, many teens (and pre-teens) are dabbling, or worse. It seems especially difficult to be a teenager these days and they are turning to drugs for more than just 'having fun'.

You need to know know why kids use, what the warning signs are, and what to do about it. If you have any inklings, doubts or concerns about the possibility that your child may be using, YOU MUST TAKE ACTION. If you are wrong, so be it. And if you are right, the sooner you intervene, the better the chances are for recovery. You don't want to take a 'wait and see' parenting approach with this.

More from YourTango: Parents Are The Missing Link - A True Story (EXPERT)

Reason #1: Stress

The Partnership for A Drug-Free America did a study showing that 73% of teens choose drugs to help them handle the stress of academics and school. Most parents, however, do not credit stress as a major factor in this choice.

Reason #2: Social Acceptance

The driving, motivating force in the life of a teen is social acceptance. They will do anything to be accepted by their peers, including using drugs and alcohol. Even though they 'know better', the desire for approval in social circles trumps all.

Reason #3: Low Self-Esteem

Low self-esteem is a big emotional piece of the decision to use and abuse. Many teens and pre-teens feel that they can't do anything right. They have somehow learned that feeling bad is to be avoided at all costs, so drugs will numb that pain.

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Fern Weis

Family Coach

Fern Weis

Coaching for Parents of Teens

Your Family Matters

FROM EYE-ROLLING TO I LOVE YOU: Transforming the parent-teen relationship. To be announced. Register at www.yourfamilymatterscoach.com/events.

TALK SO YOUR TEEN WILL LISTEN - 4-session program to cooperation, respect and love back into your family. Coming again September 2013. Sign up for program notices and parenting tips at www.yourfamilymatterscoach.com.

Location: Wayne, NJ

Credentials: Other

Specialties: Communication Problems, Parenting

Website: http://www.yourfamilymatterscoach.com

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