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How to Provide Help for Teens Who Use Drugs, Alcohol or Tobacco

By: Dr. Marlene Maheu

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Substance abuse among teenagers is a serious issue, and one that often leaves parents at a loss for what to do. While it isn't an issue to treat lightly, many parents don't know what they can do without over-reacting and completely shutting down communication. This article is written to give parents a checklist of options for how to approach a teen who is using tobacco, alcohol, drugs, or any combination of these addictive substances.

Research has shown that kids who use addictive substances often lack problem-solving skills, good parental relationships, proper attitudes about criminal activity, and self esteem. A concerned parent then can address any one of these areas and know they are working toward helping their teen gain the strength to stay away for addictive substances over time. Helping your child develop good social and internal anxiety control mechanisms will go a long way toward building self esteem and understanding how to face problems.

If you learn that your teen is beginning to use addictive substances, consider:

* Finding groups for them to join where they will be exposed to a variety of social and personally challenging situations.

* Making sure you are available to talk with them about their views of people, events and daily life. What's your teen's favorite music this week? What's their favorite book this semester? What's their favorite class? Who's their favorite teacher? Who's their least favorite teacher? Friend?

* Engaging them in conversation while driving them to activities. Talk about things that matter to them withhold your opinions and ask them about their school events, their clothing, their music. Ask them when do they think it's ok to lie or cheat?

* Including them in your household conversations and decision-making.

* Spending time watching television together and talk about the issues raised on TV.

* Having a conversation with the teacher of a class if they are getting less than an average grade. Find out what's going on and ask the teacher to help your child improve their performance. Is a tutor suggested? If your funds are low, can you arrange barter or trade with the tutor? Might your teen be willing to mow their lawn, wash their car, or render some other service in exchange for an hour of tutoring per week?

Professional Help for Teens
If the substance related problem is persistent, getting professional help is certainly a reasonable approach. Call substance abuse centers to get referrals to professionals in your local area who have the required training to deal with both substance abuse and teens.

Ask if the substance abuse centers can suggest other community resources for parents. You may be surprised to learn of many free programs that can help you maximize your efforts toward raising a happy, healthy teen who prospers through adulthood.

Be aware that not all psychotherapists have been training in substance abuse, nor do all psychotherapists know how to work with teenagers. Finding one trained in both areas is your best bet. When setting up your initial appointment with any therapist, ask how many teenagers they've worked with and how many they have on their caseload right now. If they say 1 or 2, ask if they know anyone who works exclusively with teens.

This last question might seem a bit rude, but consider this: you are looking for the best professional for your child. If a professional gets offended because you ask for a specialist, you don't want to work with them anyway.

Specialists may or may not exist in your locale, but if you can find one, they likely are going to ask the same fee as a generalist, and will most certainly know much more about your teen's community and its resources. Most specialists will spend a day or two a week working in a local junior high or regular high school. They will know some of the teachers, the local issues, the fund raisers, the dances. Because they spend their days talking to other teens and their parents, they will know much more about local and regional issues, such as the sporting events, the proms, the parties, and a fair amount of local gossip - all things that make it easier for your teen to connect with them.

Dr. Marlene M. Maheu, a Licensed Psychologist, is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of one of the largest self-help & psychology portals, SelfhelpMagazine. More articles from this author are available at http://www.selfhelpmagazine.com/. Original article link: http://selfhelpmagazine.com/article/help-for-teens

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