Teens with Strong Self-Expression Are Less Likely to Abuse Drugs

Teens love to try new things and take risks. At their age, drugs may be a temptation which seems very exciting and makes them want to try. In the grown-up stage of teens, many can’t control themselves and abuse drugs. While parental support plays a crucial role in the healthy development of teenagers, a new study shows that teens who can express themselves are more likely to say no to drugs.

The reasons teens use drugs and consequences

There are many reasons that lead to drug use in teenagers. Peer pressure from their friends, the desire to fit in certain groups, the way drugs make them feel, and the belief that they become more grown up using drugs are common causes. Besides, teens who lost the mental connection with their parents are at a higher risk of using drugs. Some mental disorders such as depression and poor self-esteem can also make teens more likely to say yes to drugs.

Drug use, or even worse, drug abuse in teens can cause serious physical and emotional problems. It is the leading cause of teen death and injuries including car crashes, suicides, violence, and drowning. More severely, certain types of drugs can cause brain damage and overdose.

Teens who can express themselves less likely to indulge in drugs

In the study mentioned above, researchers carried interviews with more than 150 teens and their parents. The topic of the interviews covers from the use of substances, day-to-day communication, and friendships. The result showed that the teens who could keep and discuss objectively with their parents about their daily issues had a better preparation to face the peer pressure. Parents of these teens often had the appropriate manners of discussing (remaining calm, being reasonable, and listening).

The study also reveals the truth that adolescents who know how to say no to their parents also say no to substances such as drugs, tobacco, and alcohol. The kids who were interviewed were in their 13, 15 and 16, the age when they really wanted to find out their own identity. They could learn that shouting or whining would never be the solutions to any disagreements. Instead, arguments and discussions should be solved in peaceful, respected, and reasonable ways. It was suggested that knowing to say no wisely helps kids to refuse or disagree with their peers without losing their relationships.

A professional family therapist said that he often saw teenagers experiencing drug use were those who might not have had the ability to express their opinion and thinking about certain issues with their parents. If a teenager can’t find who they really are, what their identity is at their home, they will do that outsides, which easily leads to the use of drugs and other substances.

You might also want to read:

• Protect Your Teens from Depression
• Weird (And Dangerous!) Ways Teens Use to Get High
• Are Your Teens Abusing OTC Drugs?

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.