Adolescence can be a difficult time for both children and parents.  It is a time for teens to establish their identities and test the limits of parental control.  Some of those limits can be risky, such as experimenting with drug and alcohol use.  Research suggests that individuals who begin using substances at a younger age are more likely to develop substance use disorders later in life.  Parents can help prevent teen drug abuse by having conversations about the consequences of using drugs and the importance of making safe/sound choices.

Common risk factors that may place children at risk for developing substance use problems include a lack of parental supervision and monitoring, family history of substance abuse, a lack of communication and interaction between parents and children, poorly defined rules and expectations about substance use, and family conflict.  Mental or behavioral health conditions, such as depression and anxiety, are also risk factors for substance use.

The COVID-19 pandemic raised concerns about the mental health and social well-being of adolescents, including the potential for increased substance use.  When the pandemic began, many states initiated rules and guidelines in attempts to curb the spread of the disease.  Mitigation efforts included lockdowns, limiting social gatherings, school shutdowns, remote learning, and restricted access to entertainment venues and restaurants.  Youth faced limited opportunities to interact with friends resulting in increased feelings of loneliness due to prolonged social isolation.

Clinical depression, suicidal ideation, and anxiety, which also had the potential to be contributing factors in increased substance use behavior among children and teens, were unintended consequences of the mitigation efforts used to reduce the spread of COVID-19.  While studies show that overall drug use remained stable during the first six months of the pandemic for children ages 10 to 14, substance use was higher among teens whose families experienced a loss of income, marital hardships, or other stressors due to the pandemic.

Parents are the biggest influence in their children’s lives.  Although teens tend to pull away from their parents and desire to experience their own independence, they still want and need their parents to be involved in their lives.  Initiating a conversation about substance use can be challenging for parents; however, providing a firm foundation and clear message about the damage that drug use can cause is critical to preventing teen substance abuse.  

While abstinence from substance use is the best decision for teen health, parents should set clear rules and expectations about substance use to help give teens the structure they need to stay safe.  It is important for adolescents to understand that the rules and expectations their parents set regarding drug use are done out of love and concern for the child’s well-being.

Parents who stay involved in their children’s activities are more likely to develop a strong relationship with their teens.  Sharing quality time together, asking questions about their day, and interacting with teens’ friends and parents are helpful ways to remain aware of what is happening in their teen’s life.  It is important for parents to provide support and guidance for their children and let them know that they can talk to their parents about drugs and alcohol without judgment or blame.

Knowing the signs and symptoms of addiction can help parents identify problematic behavior and seek help for their child.  Some types of behaviors that could indicate teen drug abuse include avoiding eye contact, acting irresponsibly, frequently asking for money, stealing, isolating from others, decline in academics, and losing interest in hobbies or activities.  Physical indicators of possible substance use include poor hygiene, glazed or bloodshot eyes, changes in mood or attitude, frequent nosebleeds, difficulty focusing, small track marks on arms or legs, and rapid weight gain or loss.

Treatment is recommended for teens who are already experiencing problems with substance use.  Parents who suspect their child could have a substance use problem should contact their healthcare provider.  Pathways of Central Ohio provides many mental health and addiction service resources in Licking County that can assist with finding a treatment program that is appropriate for adolescents.  Parents can visit pathwaysofcentralohio.com for more information.