Playing the ‘Blame Game’ is not useful when a teen experiments with drugs or alcohol. Often, parents are unjustly faulted for their kids’ substance abuse. But sometimes, parents may unwittingly have some influence on their child’s decision to use. Dr. David Sack acknowledges that this isn’t always the case, but he points to five things well-meaning parents may be doing to inadvertently steer their children toward drugs.
— Being wishy-washy about drug use. Starting at a young age, make sure your kids know where you stand. Don’t give them the impression that experimentation is OK. Trying drugs can lead to addiction, accidents and other unfortunate consequences. “Set firm rules and expectations but understand that your children may have questions, and they may still be curious about drugs,” Dr. Sack writes. “Make sure they feel comfortable talking to you by asking questions and listening without judgment. That way, you know yours is at least one of the voices they hear on the subject.”
— Not practicing what you preach. Your kids are watching you. If you drink excessively or use drugs, they’ll notice, and they’ll think it’s OK. Teens are more influenced by what their parents do than say — even the fiercely independent ones.
— Waiting to get help. “As parents, we like to give our kids the benefit of the doubt — one more chance to outgrow a rebellious phase or to discover that they don’t really like the way drugs make them feel,” Dr. Sack writes. “But drug use in adolescence, especially early adolescence (age 13 or 14), can damage the brain and increase the risk of addiction and other problems later in life.” So, act quickly!
To learn more things parents do to encourage substance abuse — such as “ignoring the underlying issues” and “turning a blind eye,” check out Dr. Sack’s full article.