Clint Eastwood Youth Program - CEYP Newsletter
Issue 20: It’s tough to be a teen
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Being a teenager isn’t easy, and neither is being the parent of a teenager. The teenage years are a physical, emotional, and psychological roller coaster. Your sweet, innocent child can become a grumpy, withdrawn, moody, hostile person you hardly recognize.
Today’s teens live in a complicated world — one filled with dangers and risks, choices and opportunities, stresses and pressures that challenge them to grow up before their time. They are exposed to drugs and alcohol earlier and more frequently than in years past. In fact, being exposed to drugs and alcohol is no longer just a remote possibility; your child will likely beoffered drugs at some point, no matter what school or peer group he or she associates with.
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Many factors increase the possibility of your teen turning to drugs/alcohol to manage troubling feelings. And it’s nearly impossible to know which teens will try drugs/alcohol experimentally and decide it is notfor them, and which teens will use drugs/alcohol to the point of developing dependence or addiction. Many adults smoke pot, drink wine or martinis, and/or may feel that experimentation with drugs/alcoholis a “normal” part of growing up because they experimented when they were teenagers. But things aredifferent today. We know more about the harm drugs and alcohol can cause.
Top 5 Reasons to Keep Your Teen Away From Drugs/Alcohol
- The teen brain is still developing past the age of 18.
- Today’s marijuana is more powerful and addicting than the marijuana generally available 20 years ago.
- Teenagers who use drugs and alcohol are at higher risk of developing mental illness.
- Some people can develop a need for drugs/alcohol after just one use.
- Using drugs/alcohol can lead to poor decision making, accidents, even death.
There are multiple influences on our children, stress is abundant, and expectations are high. Teenagers, especially, spend numerous hours a day without adult supervision — alone with their computers, cellphones, television, and friends. As a parent, you need to remember that you have considerable influence on the choices your children make — even if they’d like you to believe they’re not listening.
“But I can’t be with my kids 24/7, and I can’t stop them if they really want to try drugs/alcohol”
True, you can’t stop your children’s behavior in many situations; but you can influence their choices and address risky behaviors when you see them.
- Be clear with your children that you support them choosing not to use drugs/alcohol.
- Help them learn constructive ways to deal with stressors (e.g., discussing issues with a responsible adult; getting enough rest, fun, and nutrition; having positive interests).
- Provide emotional support, education opportunities, and a positive role model.
- Recognize when to intervene.
Warning Signs of Teenage Alcohol and Drug Use
- personality changes
- mood changes
- irresponsible behavior
- poor judgment
- withdrawal
- irritability
- lack of focus
- loss of interest in former activities
- argumentative behavior
- breaking rules
- falling grades
- friends who are involved with drugs and alcohol
- drastic change in dress and appearance
- health complaints
- red and glazed eyes
- chronic fatigue
If you are concerned that drugs/alcohol or mental health issues are affecting your child, give us a call. We offer teens and families a second chance.