Advances in research have helped us to identify and understand the risk factors that can contribute to the development of drug and alcohol problems in adolescents, as well as ways to reduce those risks. One of the most important things we have learned about treating adolescents is the importance of addressing other issues in their lives in addition to their problems with drugs and alcohol. My research over the past 15 years has focused on developing more effective ways of integrating the assessment and treatment of addiction with the mental health, behavioral and family problems that are often linked to substance use in adolescents.
Parents often ask:
- “What are some of the factors that increase my child’s risk of substance use and what can I do to reduce those risks?”
- “What are some early signs that my teenager might be using drugs or alcohol?” What are the some of the risk factors?
What are the some of the risk factors?
Research has shown that children who have significant mood and behavior problems, such as prolonged temper tantrums, excessive aggression, impulsivity or risk-taking have a greater chance of developing substance use problems in adolescence compared to those who do not have these behaviors. In addition children who have learning disabilities or other academic or behavioral problems during elementary and middle school years may also be at higher risk of early drug or alcohol involvement during adolescence.
What can I do to reduce the risks?
Early evaluation and treatment
The good news is that early evaluation and treatment can help reduce the risks if your child does develop some of these problems. A number of proven interventions for childhood behavior problems focus on helping parents learn the tools of effective behavioral management such as how to notice and reward good behavior as well as how to identify and interrupt problem behavior cycles. Another important aspect of effective treatment is the cognitive and behavioral skills training that helps children achieve greater control over their own behavior, moods, and thoughts. Early diagnosis and treatment of learning disorders, attention-deficit-hyperactivity disorder and mood disorders may also reduce the risks of substance use and other associated behavioral and mental health problems in adolescence.
Be an involved parent
Research shows that parental support, monitoring and involvement in their child’s life is an important protective factor against adolescent drug use. Involvement in a child’s school reduces behavioral and academic problems and also helps parents to know their children’s friends and their friend’ parents. This helps parents connect and network with other parents in monitoring their own children’s activities as well as those of their peer group. Research clearly shows that appropriate parental monitoring protects against the risks of problem behaviors including substance use.
Open and honest communication
Regular family discussions characterized by open, honest and respectful conversation regarding behavioral expectations and consequences, including attitudes and family rules about drug and alcohol use can reduce the risk of adolescent drug use and other serious problem behaviors. The tricky part for parents is achieving the balance between being clear, consistent and authoritative when establishing household rules and the consequences of rule violation while at the same time making it “safe”for your kids to tell the truth. Make it clear to your teenager that he or she can call you anytime, day or night, if they feel that they might be in an unsafe situation. For example, let them know that if the person who was to drive them home is intoxicated, you will come and pick them up -no questions asked, at least not on the way home.
Get the help you need
All of us are affected and connected by the enormous personal and societal impact of substance use and addiction. The majority of us have had a family member or a close friend who has suffered from the impact of substance use or addiction (or we have suffered ourselves). When this happens it is important to get the additional help and support from family, friends and professionals that we need. Several individual and family-based treatment approaches are effective in treating substance use in both adolescents and adults. Information about illicit drugs, alcohol, prevention and treatment programs can be obtained on the following websites:
