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How to Prevent & Treat Drug Abuse Among Adolescents

Drug abuse among adolescents can occur in any socioeconomic level, and is present in the best schools as much as it is in the poorest. Drugs are easy to come by for young teenagers, and when put in front of a child who is experiencing poor self esteem, problems at home, or problems at school, can lead to addiction. The reasons a certain adolescent would face addiction are many. It can be a genetic disposition, a mental health issue or outside circumstances that have caused the adolescent to feel unhappy or alienated.

Things You'll Need

  • Mental health professional
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Instructions

  1. Prevention

    • 1

      Set limits and boundaries, and use discipline when appropriate. Your boundaries will teach your child self control and responsibility. This will help him as they face peer pressure and difficult choices.

    • 2

      Help your child find a hobby he likes and encourage him to stay involved. Do not push him into doing something that he does not show interest in, but help him find an activity that motivates him.

    • 3

      Help build your child's confidence and sense of self through positive reinforcement. Do not be critical when things go wrong, but focus on the positive things. Include your child in your activities and the family activities.

    Treatment

    • 4

      If you do suspect your child is abusing drugs, seek the advice of a mental health professional. Try to locate the problem Find whether it is a family issue, problems at school or problems with socialization, and help resolve the issue.

    • 5

      Encourage your child to socialize with a different group of people than she is currently hanging out with. You could try getting them involved in a new activity that would involve new friends. Do not criticize her current friends, as she will be personally offended.

    • 6

      Open the lines of communication. Make sure you talk to your child regularly; not only about drugs, but about their interests and feelings. Create an environment where they feel comfortable coming to you when times are rough.

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