Changing attitudes: Substance abuse is not a “rite of passage” as some may think and needs to be addressed now!
This awareness campaign is brought to you in partnership with Empower Tusc.
Meaningful education on the dangers of underage drinking and other drug use has never been greater.
Facts:
- Alcohol and other drugs are the leading causes of crime among youth
- Alcohol and other drugs are the leading factors in teenage suicide
- More than 23 million people over the age of 12 struggle with substance use disorders
Why do young adults drink alcohol? Many reasons just like adults. Some are obvious, but understanding what is behind these reasons can be difficult.
- Check out from family issues
- Check out or ignore issues with school or grades
- Loneliness
- Low self-esteem
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Deal with pressures of everyday situations
- Change their image
- Fit in
- Gain confidence
- Lose inhibitions
When kids get older and alcohol and other drugs enter the picture is when parents are faced with unique set of challenges. Parents often forgive underage drinking as a “rite of passage”. They simply sit back and hope their kids will “get through it”, or they they can change their attitude and take a more active role in learning about alcohol or other drugs to help their kids do the same.
Lets take advantage of the “teachable moments” when adults can help kids learn about topics such as underage drinking and other drug misuse.
It is not so much “the BIG talk” but about being there when the issues come up.
Some guidelines that can help with talking about alcohol and other drug use:
- Listen before you talk
- Letting them know your really listening is most important
- Ask open-ended questions
- Be involved
- Be honest and open
- Be positive
- Build bridges rather than walls
Remember, substance use disorders are chronic, progressive diseases that can be linked to family history and genetics. If there is a family history, be matter-of-fact about it, as one would be with any other chronic disease, such as heart disease, diabetes, or cancer.
Alcohol and other drug use is a risky business for young people. Parents can make a difference. Studies show that the longer children delay drinking and other drug use, the less likely they are to develop problems associated with it. That is why it is so important to help your child make smart decisions about alcohol and other drug use.
In fostering “changing attitudes”, parents can help kids understand that drinking is not a “rite of passage”. It is not a way to feel or be independent, cool, or fit in socially. They can learn that alcohol is not necessary for having a good time.
It’s important for us to get involved to make a tremendous difference in our community as we reach out to those who are most vulnerable and help out next-generation avoid the many problems that underage alcohol and other drug use can bring.
