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Drug Addiction
Why do teenagers take drugs?
- Many teenagers experiment with drugs just out of curiousity and want to find out what the effects are. They take it for a short time and then stop. Such type neither become 'addicted' or dependent, nor do they suffer any lasting effects.
- The influence of peers, it may be difficult to say no and look uncool.
- Teenagers like to rebel and go against parents' rules. Independence is part of growing up.
- Teenagers like to have a good time and may enjoy the effects that drugs bring. Many illegal drugs are cheaper than alcohol.
What is drug addiction?
It is characterized by compulsive, habitual, at times uncontrollable, drug craving, search, and consumption. This condition continues even in the case of extremely harmful consequences.
What drugs are commonly used by teenagers?
Alcohol and tobacco are the two most commonly used drugs amongst teenagers. Others include:
- Marijuana - the most common illegal drug used by teenagers.
- Inhalants - such as petrol, glue and solvents
- Amphetamines
- Heroin, cocaine, ecstasy
Withdrawal - how is it related to drug addiction?
Withdrawal is the variety of symptoms that occur in an addicted person, when use of some drugs are reduced or stopped.
Length of withdrawal and symptoms vary with the type of drug. Physical symptoms of withdrawal may include: restlessness, muscle and bone pain, insomnia, vomiting, and cold flashes. In many cases withdrawal can be easily treated with medications to ease the symptoms, but treating withdrawal is not the same as treating addiction.
What is Detoxification, or "Detox"?
Detoxification is the process of allowing your body rid itself of drugs while managing the symptoms of withdrawal. It is the first step in a drug rehab program and should be followed by treatment with a behavioural therapy and medication.. Detox alone with no follow-up is no treatment.
If your child is a teen, how can you prevent drug use?
There is no guarantee that a child will never touch drugs. However, parents can try reducing the possibility of experimentation by:
- Cultivate a close relationship with your child from an early age.
- Encourage a healthy approach to life including good foods, regular exercise and sports.
- Encourage your child to have more than one group of friends.
- Educate your child on the dangers of drug use.
- Don't try and scare your child off drugs, he may become all the more curious.
What do you do if you suspect your teen is addicted to drugs:
Mood swings, a drop in academic performance, new friends and a changed personality may all signal a teen's drug addiction. What do you do
- Read up on drugs so that you have the facts.
- Raise your doubt calmly with your child when you both feel relaxed.
- If your child is taking drugs, don't use warning tactics.
- Find out about his friend circle, talk to their parents.
- Try to educate your child on the health risks.
- Take him to a drug rehabilitation centre, and get help before it's too late.
Drug addiction if diagnosed, but left untreated can lead to serious repercussions to the individual, his family and the society as a whole.