Drug abuse can occur in any family. The prospect of a son or daughter becoming involved in drug abuse is frightening. It is important for parents to be informed about drugs and to be vigilant, without being over-anxious.
Young people are exposed to a variety of drugs today. They must be able to handle this exposure. Parents need to be aware of influences on young people and to develop an understanding of adolescence. For some, adolescence is a time of questioning established values, pushing at boundaries and experimenting with the forbidden. This often means coming in contact with drugs.
Why do young people use drugs?
Numerous reasons are given including:
During adolescence, young people are particularly influenced by the behaviour and values of their friends. Belonging to a group is an important part of the young person's social development.
Parents can help young people to cope with the demands of peer involvement, by encouraging the development of their individuality and personal strengths, so that they will be able to resist the pressure to misuse alcohol or other drugs without losing face. This means teaching young people to make safe' decisions regarding drug sue and equipping them with the skills they need to handle situations in which drugs are offered.
Experimentation with drugs does not necessarily mean that the young person will go on to become a regular user. However, the following risks must be considered.
Risks and Dangers of Drug Misuse
Accident or Injury
Accident of injury may occur while under the influence of a drug. Some substances depress or stop breathing. Accidental overdose can lead to unconsciousness or death. Even a small quantity of some drugs, including alcohol, may affect co-ordination, and impair the ability to think clearly and make ‘safe' decisions.
Effects on the Brain
Even a small quantity of some drugs can cause mental and emotional disturbance. With regular use, psychological development and school performance may be impaired.
Relationships
Relationships with family and friends often suffer as a result of involvement with drugs.
Dependence
Dependence/addiction refers to the state where a person feels that they must continue to take a drug and are unable to cope without it.
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Some drugs cause a physical dependence and a person may need to be weaned off - withdrawal symptoms may occur if the drug is unavailable.
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When particular drugs are taken regularly, a person may develop tolerance to them, so that a larger dose must be taken to achieve the same effect.
Contamination
If drugs are diluted with other substances there may be severe or unpredictable reactions.
Infections
Unclean needles can cause blood poisoning, abscesses and infections like Hepatitis B and HIV (the virus which causes AIDS).
Illegality
Illegal drugs carry the risk of involvement with the law, possibly resulting in a criminal record.
Financial Considerations
Drug misuse can be very costly and this in turn may lead to financial problems, debts and crime.
Written by Medpages Editorial Team
Last Editorial Review: 21/1/2010
