Teen Drug Addiction Prevention
September 7th 2007
To a certain extent, parents can influence the decisions their teen make in life by a few simple steps early on. Have honest conversations about drug use and teen drug addiction. Make it clear that drug addiction has very strong potential to overtake and ruin a life, hurting many others in the process. If parents do not discuss such things with children, they will get their drug education elsewhere – and it may not be what parents want them to hear. A little preventative education can go a long way.
To prevent drug addictions from developing, parents should also remain aware of their children’s social lives throughout junior high and high school. Who are their friends? Where are they going? When will they be home? Will there be chaperones? Set curfews and house rules. Get to know the parents of your children’s friends and exchange phone numbers in order to call and compare stories, ensuring your children are truly where they say they are.
Telltale signs of drug use can help a parent identify the problem early on and perhaps intervene before it develops into a full-blown drug addiction.
Signs of a potential developing drug addiction include:
- Appetite loss
- Weight loss
- Decreased interest in personal hygiene
- Decreased motivation
- Social withdrawal
- Depression
- Hostility
- Mood swings
- Evasiveness
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
Many of these symptoms are typical of adolescence, regardless of drug addiction. Thus it may be difficult to tell whether your child is developing a drug addiction. Ask questions frequently and compare notes with other parents. If a child is persistently answering evasively or breaking house rules, punish them accordingly by taking away privileges.

