Factors that lead to drug abuse – FACTS

If you are a concerned parent or a guardian who wants to ensure your child is not involved in drug abuser, you need to stay ahead of the game and keep a watchful eye. However, teenagers are really good at keeping their life private, making it is difficult to evaluate them. Nonetheless you can help teenagers by learning what contributes an adolescent drug abuse and ensure they have a nurturing environment. By understanding ‘FACTS’, you can assess if your adolescent child is at the risk of drug abuse:

FACTS:

• Family history
• Age of first use
• Craving
• Tolerance
• Surroundings

Family history

When someone in a child’s biological parents, siblings, or family members and friends have a background of drug use such as alcohol, smoking, etc.,  that child is more  be inclined towards  addictive behavior and is more likely to develop the drug addiction, compared to an adolescent who does not have a family history. According to research, immediate relatives such as, children, siblings, and parents) of alcoholics are eight times more likely to develop drug and alcohol addiction than people without family connection.

Age of first use

Another important risk factor for substance abuse is age. The younger a person begins to use alcoholic beverages or other drugs, the more likely it is that they’ll develop an addiction. According to current research from the National Institute of Mental Health, a person’s brain isn’t fully developed until they’re in their 20s and illegal substances can impact the “connectors” in a child’s brain, resulting in unforeseen challenges.

Craving and Tolerance

When an adolescent starts using drugs or alcohol at an early age, they could develop physical cravings and sensitivity to the drugs they use that can quickly lead to active addiction.

Surroundings

The environment could be the most visible indicator of substance abuse. Exposure to the consumption of alcoholic beverages and other drugs, whether within a family or a social circle, “validates” its consumption, making it appear to be something that everyone does. Parents have an important opportunity to serve as positive role models in this regard. This type of environment also allows easy access to intoxicants, making an individual more susceptible towards first use as well as opportunities to continue using.

A teenager’s life is surrounded by several influential circles. Teens learn about good and bad behavioral patterns beginning with their family members. When parents and other caregivers openly discuss the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse with their kids, the likelihood that they will abuse drugs drops by 50 per cent. Lead by example. Positive behavior modelled from you and other family members can have a massive effect on how the teenager perceives drugs and alcohol.

A teen’s circle of friends can also shape their beliefs and behavior regarding substance use. Teens are constantly trying to figure out how they fit into their world. As they work to find their place, they can be strongly influenced by peer pressure. If young people spend time with other teens who are engaged in risky, unhealthy behaviors, they are more likely to engage in those behaviors themselves.