1. USE OF DRUGS AMONG TEENS AND THE REASONS WHY THEY USE IT

2. PREVENTING DRUG USE

3. HOW CAN I TELL IF MY CHILD IS ABUSING DRUGS?  

4. SIGNS OF STRESS AND THE WAYS TO REDUCE STRESS

5. MARIJUANA USE

•  USE OF MARIJUANA AND IT'S EFFECTS  

•  WHAT EVERY TEEN SHOULD KNOW ABOUT MARIJUANA  

•  REASONS WHY TEENS BECOME INVOLVED WITH MARIJUANA 

•  THE REASONS TO QUIT SMOKING MARIJUANA 

 

1. Use of drugs among teens and the reasons why they use it

We all know that there are smoking teens. But it does not end with smoking only. Teens are using and abusing drugs such as alcohol and marijuana. And unfortunately, the use of drugs are becoming more and more common.

Teenagers are becoming involved with alcohol and illicit drugs in many ways. Unfortunately, teenagers often don�t see the link between their actions today and the consequences tomorrow. Using alcohol and tobacco at a young age increases the risk of using other drugs later. Some teens will try and stop, some will continue to use drugs seldom, without serious problems. Others will become addicted to drugs and will use more dangerous drugs that will cause them serious harm.

Teen years are a time for trying new things. Teens use alcohol and other drugs for many reasons, including curiosity, because it feels good, to reduce stress, to feel grown up or to fit in. It is difficult to know which teens will experiment and stop and which will develop serious problems.

• The reasons why teens use tobacco, alcohol and drugs:

  • To feel grown up: Children want to be like adults. To children grownup means freedom. It means making his/her own decisions. It means to be able to do what they want to. Parents can help children understand and accept that there is a difference between what is appropriate and legal for adults and what is appropriate for children. With their parents' help teens will realize the danger of using illicit drugs.

  • To belong: The most important and natural part of growing up is to fit in and belong to a group. It is natural that children want others to like them. Sometimes the group they want to join is using illegal drugs and tobacco and a teen may turn to these illegal drugs just to fit in and belong. Teaching kids the danger of alcohol and other drug use is not enough. Children need to learn how to refuse and avoid the use of illicit drugs. Parents have to help kids deal with peer pressure.

  • Feel better and relax: Some children develop unhealthy ways to deal with their problems and stress, and they use illegal drugs, alcohol and tobacco to ease their problems. They think illicit drugs and alcohol will comfort and cheer them. Many factors can help youths choose not to use alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. Children need to learn how to deal with stress, how to make healthy decisions, and how to relax. Parents have to be aware of their kids problems and stresses to help them. Parents have to offer support and help children develop skills to cope with life in a positive way. It is important for children to have someone to talk to about their problems, express their concerns and feelings. Good communication, love and support will help kids stay away from illicit drugs. Parents have to spend quality time with their kids and listen to their concerns. Kids need to talk about their fears, unhappiness, happiness, and need to know that they are not going to be judged.

  • To take risk: In early adolescent years, youth are courageous and may have high-risk behaviors. They think nothing bad will happen to them. Today, using drugs is a dangerous risk for children. Parents must talk to their children and explain that using alcohol, illegal drugs and tobacco is not an acceptable risk-taking behavior.

  • Curiosity: Children are very curious about tobacco, alcohol, and illegal drugs. Although, for many years they learn in the school and home from parents that illicit drugs are harmful and dangerous, some children will still try illicit drugs just to satisfy their curiosity.

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