What you need to know about drugs – advice for parents

Affinity Health warned that drug addiction among the youth is on the rise in South Africa.

What is substance abuse?

Substance abuse is the harmful or dangerous use of psychoactive substances, such as alcohol and illicit drugs.

Substance abuse is dangerous at any age, but it is worse for children, tweens and teens. Drug abuse starts through peer pressure. Substance abuse in kids starts at about age 12 or 13 but can begin much sooner.

“More teens are trying drugs than before. Drugs are more addictive and easily available,” said Murray Hewlett, Affinity Health CEO. “If you’re worried that your child is taking drugs, trust your gut and share your concerns.”

Why are drugs more dangerous for adolescents?

The brains of adolescents continue to grow and develop into the mid-20s. Teen drug use can interfere with the brain’s maturational processes.

Additionally, it can impact their decision-making. They are likelier to engage in harmful behaviours like unsafe sexual activity and unsafe driving.

The earlier adolescents begin using drugs, the faster they’ll develop an addiction.

Using drugs as a teen can lead to the development of the following adult health issues:

• Cardiovascular disease
• Hypertension
• Sleep disturbances

Which substances are most often abused by adolescents?

Alcohol and tobacco are the two most abused substances, followed by marijuana. The following most popular compounds vary by age group. Young adolescents favour inhalant substances. Teens breathe the fumes of household cleaners, glues, or pens. Older adolescents like using synthetic marijuana and prescription medications.

Prescription and over-the-counter medications are the most abused substances by high school seniors.

Why do teenagers use drugs?

There are many reasons why a young person may experiment with drugs, including:

• To blend in
Youth may use drugs out of a desire to earn their friends’ acceptance.

• To feel better
Depression, anxiety, stress-related diseases, and physical pain affect some adolescents. They may use medications in an attempt to get relief.

• To excel in academics or athletics
Some adolescents may use stimulants to enhance their academic achievement. Or they may use anabolic steroids to increase their athleticism.

• To experiment
Youngsters often seek new experiences, particularly those they perceive as intriguing or risky.

Which adolescents are at risk for substance abuse?

Substance abuse and drug addiction can take hold of every family. No one is immune. But among the elements that may increase a young person’s risk for drug use are:

• Early-life stressors such as child abuse, sexual abuse, and various forms of trauma
• Genetics
• Alcohol and other drug use during pregnancy
• Lack of parental oversight or supervision
• Having peers and friends who take drugs

What are the indications that a teen has a drug problem?

There is a good chance that your teen’s mood swings may be due to hormonal changes during puberty. In other words, mood fluctuations in adolescents are common.

But you should pay close attention if your teen child is experiencing mood swings. Look out for the following changes in behaviour or appearance, such as:

• Frequent friend changes
• Spending considerable time alone
• Losing interest in beloved items
• Not taking care of themselves
• Being anxious and depressed
• Eating more or less than usual
• Speech incoherencies like stuttering
• Rapid changes between unpleasant and good moods
• Having missed crucial engagements
• Having issues at school – missing class and receiving poor grades
• Having interpersonal or familial relationship issues
• Lying and thievery
• Deficits in memory, focus, and coordination

Five ways to prevent your children from experimenting with drugs

• Effective communication develops trust between parent and child.
• Encouraging your children can develop self-assurance and a solid sense of self. It also assists parents in fostering collaboration and minimising conflict.
• Teach your children problem-solving skills.
• Set limits and rules to teach children self-control and responsibility.
• Establish safe boundaries and show parental concern.

Know where your children are. Supervision helps parents identify developing issues, promotes safety, and encourages parental involvement.