Teen substance abuse is not something to be taken lightly. There are many options that can lead to addiction, from alcohol to prescription drugs to illegal drugs. What can you do as a parent in order to stop your child abusing substances? These are some helpful tips.

Teen Substance Use: Begin with educating yourself

Parents need to be aware of the various problems with substance abuse in teens. It is important to be aware of the signs, like changes in personality or interests, the decision to ditch old pals to make room for new ones, and many other things. Recognizing the signs of teen substance abuse can help you immediately take action if you notice your teen showing any of these signs.

Parents should also be aware of different kinds of substances that garner the most attention among teens today. This includes understanding how certain substances can alter behavior and the potential damage that they could cause to one or more organs.

Learn more about the risk factors that can increase your risk of alcohol abuse.

Some of the risk factors include:

A pre-existing mental health disorder - A mental health disorder such as anxiety or depression could result in addiction.

Trauma - When a traumatic event occurs and your child has trouble dealing with it you may be able to seek out alcohol or drugs to get assistance.

Environment If your loved one is struggling with addiction, it may be a motivator for your teenager.

Have a good look at the actions you take

What about your own behavior and habits? Are you doing or saying something that signals that a little indulgence isn't good for you? If so, that needs to change.

If you consume alcohol ensure that you are setting a good example. Limiting your consumption at any given moment. It's different to drink an alcoholic drink with dinner, instead of consuming a complete six-pack in one hour. If you're going to an event, it is important to reduce your alcohol consumption so that you're not drunk at the time you return home to your kids.

Do not exceed prescribed doses for prescription medicines. If you're on prescription medication, be certain to inform your family about the possible negative effects that could be experienced when it is mixed with alcohol. The goal is to set the example and change your habits so that your child can see you exercising. A book on addiction prevention is a way to prevent your child from abusing drugs.

Open Communication Matters

Your teen should be able talk to you about any topic and not feel judged. Similar to that, you should be able to communicate with your teenager about anything. Open communication can help your teen feel comfortable speaking about school issues or the pressures of growing older. Make sure you focus on the issue at hand and not make it into a personal evaluation of your child. In many instances, open discussions go a long way in stifling any desire to experiment with drugs or alcohol.

Time with Family Time is also important.

Your teen should have time with their friends, but it is equally important to make time for the family. Spend time with your teenager by watching a film, playing games, or taking a day trip. Each of these activities allow you to be a family and ensure that everyone is having their social lives. It allows your kids to understand that they are important to the whole family. The outings also provide parents with a chance to notice if something is troubling your teenager or if something is distinct about their temperament.

Encourage Involvement in Adult-Supervised Activities

Teens can enjoy themselves under adult supervision in the theater, sports, or volunteering after school. They will have a thriving social circle, get to know new people, and experience something that makes them less likely to turn to drugs or alcohol. Many of these activities build self-confidence. This also helps your children to be able to recognize the reason to abuse any kind of substance.

Meet Your Teen's Friends and Their Families

While you don't necessarily have to be friends with your teenager's classmates or their families, it's important to get to know them well enough to have a nice chat every now and again. You'll be able to discern clues as to how things work in their family. You will also discover the ethics and values they have. It is also a fantastic network for helping all teenagers find activities that aren't just experimenting with alcohol or other drugs.

Keep a list of prescription and over-the-counter medications

While you want to trust your teenager, it doesn't mean that you're unaware of the things that might take place at home. You may want to secure the cabinet if you have alcohol within your home. It is essential to keep track of everything in your cabinet. It's recommended to examine the contents of each bottle to ensure that it's not dilute.

It's the same with medication in the bathroom cabinet. You should know exactly what's in the cabinet and how many pills are required. If you find anything that might be addictive, it would be best to store it in a locked cabinet as well.

Conclusion

There are other things you can do to ensure that your child is not becoming involved in any kind of teen substance abuse. Take the time to talk with a counselor at school or a therapist now. Be aware of what the latest trending drug is and how to obtain it. While you can't protect your teen from the effects of alcohol or drugs, it is possible for them to receive the help they require to be able to say no.