Most people consider addicts as only being adults, forgetting that teens can also become addicted to substances at a young age. There are some risk factors involved that make some teenagers more prone to substance abuse than others.
1. Family History
When it comes to addiction and substance abuse, one of the most common factors is family history. The addictive process is genetic, which can make it more difficult for a family to seek teen substance abuse treatment.
2. Poor Parental Monitoring
A parent should be aware of a teen’s social and mental well-being; this can provide you with any warning signs that your teen could be abusing substances such as drugs or alcohol. Have important conversations with them and check in to make sure they’re doing okay.
3. Low Academic Achievement
Set educational goals for your child so that they have the structure that they need to meet those goals. Poor performance can mean that your child isn’t focusing on the task at hand, giving them more time to engage in non-productive activities.
4. Rejection of Sexual Orientation Or Gender Identity
Teens who consider themselves LGBTQ+ are twice as likely to abuse alcohol and drugs than non-LGBTQ+ teens. This is because these substances become coping mechanisms for them because they’re not allowed to express themselves openly in society.
5. Having An Abusive History
Children who have been abused, particularly sexual abuse, tend to deal with mental health issues that can go unnoticed by their parents. This puts them at risk of turning to alcohol or drugs to cope with these feelings and thoughts that they don’t know how to handle.
6. Parental Substance Abuse
Through exposure by parents, teens will want to indulge in those same activities and substances. They will think that it’s normal and acceptable to binge drink or be involved in drugs in order to be accepted into society.
7. Poor Mental Health And Support
Most teens report that they feel persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness at some point in their lives, but receive no support or help from their parents. They use alcohol as a way to self-medicate and deal with mental health conditions like anxiety, schizophrenia, and sleep disorders.
8. Stress Events In Their Lives
Growing up as a teenager is difficult, and having no one to talk to can make those feelings and emotions impossible to deal with. This increases the risk of them turning to other means to help them cope.
9. The Aspect Of Peer Pressure
If a teenager’s friends are drinking and doing drugs, then they’re going to feel pressured to partake so that they can be accepted as part of the group. It’s important to stay involved in your teen’s life so that you know who’s in their friend group.
10. Their Socioeconomic Status
Studies have shown that a lower socioeconomic status makes an individual 150% more likely to start drinking heavily. These areas of low socioeconomic status also increase the exposure of teens to alcohol and drug use.
Pay attention to any warning signs that might indicate your teen might be engaged in substance abuse: drastic mood changes, lack of involvement in former interests, or any mental changes, to name a few. If you’ve noticed these signs, have a conversation with them immediately or seek the help of a mental health professional to navigate these difficult times.
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