THE MISCONCEPTION OF ADOLSESCENT DRUG ABUSE

THE MISCONCEPTION OF ADOLSESCENT DRUG ABUSE AND THE
CONFLICTS IT CAUSES BETWEEN THE PARENTS AND THEIR CHILDREN

First and foremost to combat a problem one must understand the root of the problem. So therefore educate is the key. Drug use is becoming an epidemic which is rapidly spreading and society must fight it at the homefront, literally. The home, with that parents being able to recognize and then have the knowledge to assist their children when a problem is evident acknowledged.

With the growing amount of single parent households and the stress and pressure put on the dual household parents to work to make ends meet, the parents have very limited time with their children. Therefore, giving the children ample time at home by themselves to get into trouble and to experiment. The experimental stage may quickly esculate to the addiction phase before one even recognizes that there is a problem.

Parents have to remain firm when addressing the issues. The main focus needs to be the future of the children. One must not worry about not being a "cool" parent and thereby, losing the trust of the child. If anything, a greater bond should be the focus. The having of the ability to address an issue which may arise a parent must also learn to be a best friend.

Parents must lead by example and must refrain from all forms of abuse. Either drugs or alcohol with alcohol as the most widely abused substance in the world. Kids may not be able to differentiate between the gravity say between alcohol and heroin use. They may tend to rationalize by saying, "oh my father's and alcoholic so it's no big deal," or "my mother smokes weed so it's alright." So the importance of a positive household is essential.

To lead by posturizing and by example should be a parents main focus. On the other hand some parents need to get their priorities in order. There are many young parents who are trying to hold onto their childhood. They seemed to have never grown up. They remain in the streets and clubs, very often neglecting their children. Many parents have a habit of leaving their children with the grandparents. The grandparents tend to be totally out of the loop therefore some forms of new wave drugs such as extasy or kat would be of foreign language to them. So their recognizing of symptoms or behavior would be less likely.

When kids are left with their grandparents, resentment tends to form towards the parents. This tends to lead rebellious behavior in some children. Also, the freedom which is bestowed upon them by their grandparents leaves room for troublesome behavior.

Referring back to education. Once a problem is detected the norm of the process is for the individual abuser to receive counseling. I think if one or both of the parents would get involved with counseling this would be of great assistance. The parents would be able to detect any relapses or situations which would eventually lead to relapse.

Parents must also filter through the childs immedicate surroundsing i.e.; school, neighborhood and friends to come to a better understanding of what obstacles they are facing. Peer pressure and stress rank as one and two as far as factors for drug use. A child's friends play a large part in their overall behavior and habits. Whether or not the child agrees, one must be stern with the choosing of friends.
Sometimes due to economics factors in every enviromnent might leave a little to be desired. This is where one must find activities such as boy scouts, YMCA, after school program and such to keep the child isolated from the negative surrondings and what they may lead to. So as we have touched on, open lines of communication are a must. Once the parents and child agree on becoming friends that boundry is crossed emphasizes can be put on trust and understanding. Life has a funny way of working itself out, so positivity must be the main focus.

This is my perspective. What's yours?

Terrance "Gangsta" Williams