Emotional and Psychological Pain
Some teens use alcohol or drugs to dull the pain in their lives. When they're given a chance to take something to make them temporarily feel better, many can't resist
Teens drink or use drugs to check out from family problems or issues with school/grades
Poor grades may lead to family problems, and vice-versa, in an unfortunate cycle that leads many teens to turn to drugs or alcohol.
Loneliness, low self–esteem, depression, anxiety disorder and other mental health issues lead many teens to drugs
Furthermore, many of these issues occur in combinations, each compounding the intensity of the others.
Teens turn to drugs to deal with the pressures of everyday teen drama
Jealousy. Infighting. Gossip. These common features of teenage life can become too much for kids who haven't learned how to cope with difficult social situations.
What Parents Can Do
- If you notice extreme and lasting changes in mood, behavior, grades, attention span, etc., take your teen for a professional health assessment to find out what's causing the problem
- Don't tell yourself it's "just a phase." If your teenager seems depressed or not herself, take him to a doctor or therapist
- Make yourself an expert on your child and what's happening in her life
- Know who is and isn't in your teen's social circle
- Stay on top of your teen's school issues
- Keep a close watch on the ways family matters affect your child
- Help teach your teen social coping strategies
- Be especially aware of your teen's plans when you know she's really down
- Keep in mind that even typical "happy" events may secretly make her sad. For example, prom or graduation
- Keep the lines of communication open, and let your teen vent to you regularly
VIDEO TIPS
See what the experts have to say about the roles of emotional and psychological pain in substance abuse.
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