Teen drug use impacts family and workplace.

Many parents cannot tell if their child is using alcohol or drugs. If you are also unclear about this, it is important to realize that you are not alone. Education for both youth and their parents is the most effective way to combat substance abuse. Awareness facilitates appropriate measures such as identifying treatment programs and other approaches that focus on families and relationships. As a parent, it is important to recognize signs that your child may be using alcohol or drugs, which can often lead to addiction. Some of these warning signs include:

* Change in appearance

* Change in moods or behavior

* Change in friends

* Decline in school performance

* Rapid weight change

* Change in sleeping habits

* Lack of or increased appetite 

* Lying--Agitated--Argumentative

* Stealing from friends or relatives

* Increased interest in drug culture

Alcohol and drug use among youth is staggering and plagues countless families. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) reported in 2002 that over half (54 percent) of youth have tried an illicit drug by the time they finish high school. Alcohol use among teenagers is even more likely; four out of every five students (80 percent) have consumed alcohol by the end of high school, with about half (51 percent) of them doing so by 8th grade. Other serious problems among adolescents are often connected to substance abuse, which can include mental disorders (e.g., depression, anxiety), poor academic performance, other health-related complications, and serious legal problems.

Youth substance abuse can also affect the workplace. In a survey conducted at the Society for Human Resource Management 1999 Leadership Conference, 99 percent of human resource professionals said that employees who have children with substance abuse problems are more likely to suffer from decreased morale and productivity at work. John P. Waiters, Director of the white House Office of National Drug Control Policy agrees as well: "When family problems reach the workplace, someone pays the cost--often employers. Employers can make a difference in their business and in the lives of working parents by providing them with information on youth drug prevention." Tarzana Treatment Centers provides free, one-hour community seminars and management consultations that inform and educate businesses on substance abuse issues that have an impact in the workplace. Through these and other services available in the community, businesses can demonstrate their understanding of substance abuse issues and offer assistance to working parents with children that may require treatment.

There are some things that parents can do to protect their children from developing drug or alcohol problems. Researchers followed high-risk youth from the 7th and 8th grades through the 11th and 12th grades. They found that 56 percent of youth with six or more protective factors remained drug-free for up to 3 years compared to approximately 20 percent of youth with fewer protective factors. These protective factors included parental supervision, the child's attachment to parent and teachers, the parent's attachment to the child, commitment to school, school performance, parent's expectations for the child to go to college, peers having conventional values, and parent's positive evaluation of peers. In short, having a strong parent-child bond, providing appropriate supervision, and being actively involved in your child's school and social life make a big difference. Still, even in the best cases, youth can develop drug and alcohol problems.

Once it is established that substance abuse is a problem, it is important to identify treatment programs that specifically address the needs of youth. Adolescents have special developmental needs and will benefit from treatment approaches that increase their motivation and commitment to recovery. Youth that require substance abuse treatment should receive comprehensive clinical assessments to determine what treatment is needed. Additionally, an individualized treatment plan should involve both youth and their families, thus promoting a positive environment for youth during the recovery process. Parents should always remember they are not alone when it comes to their children and the threat of alcohol and substance abuse. A proactive approach is beneficial for the entire family, and is highly encouraged.

Information for this article was provided by Tarzana Treatment Centers. For further information or a free assessment, please call 800-996-1051. If you would like to discuss the contents of this article in further detail, or learn about the ways in which Tarzana Treatment Centers can assist you, please call the Customer Service Department at 800-996-1051 or visit www.tarzanatc.org.