The Risks With Substance Use

Alcohol, marijuana, and nicotine vaping are the most commonly used substances among adolescents. Youth who engage in these habits are more likely to experience injury or death, difficulty at school, addiction, and legal problems. It also interferes with brain development. While illicit drug use is decreasing among adolescents, other research has shown a dramatic increase in the number of overdose deaths. This has been attributed to fentanyl, which is a synthetic drug meant to resemble the effects of prescription pills and opioids. Misuse of prescription drugs has been relatively low among adolescents. However, the tragic increase in overdose deaths suggests it is becoming more dangerous than ever.

To prevent these outcomes, it is crucial to educate our youth on the risks of substance misuse. Here are some tips to address this issue:

1. Be a role model for your child.

2. Talk with your children. Keep lines of communication open, don’t underestimate the importance of family bonding.

3. Pay attention to the transition years in your child’s life. These years will open them up to new experiences, social interactions, and surroundings.

4. Get involved! Know what’s going on at school, what they’re doing in their free time, and who their friends are.

5. Teach your child about peer pressure.

6. Get your child involved in extracurricular activities.