|
For many American teens, experimenting with drugs and alcohol is a rite of passage. However, for a disturbing percentage, experimentation turns into addiction.
Identifying whether or not your teen has a drug problem can be very difficult for parents, especially since puberty and adolescence typically brings with it occasional bouts of moodiness, secrecy and withdrawal that are often symptomatic of a child on drugs. Adults who are very naive about drugs may not even suspect that there is a problem, because they don’t know what to look for.
“It can be difficult for parents who are looking for definitive signs,” said Dr. Deborah Mollo, Pediatrician at MKMG. “Even teens who do not have a drug problem can become guarded and withdrawn -- it’s just their way of dealing with the changes in their bodies and the various peer pressures around them.”
Dr. Mollo explained that there are many warning signals a child may exhibit if he or she has a drug habit. While one or two of these signals may not mean anything, parents should be concerned if they notice numerous signs in combination.
“Confidentiality is important to ensure trust. I usually start examining teens without the parent in the room around their 14-year check-up. This gives me the opportunity to speak privately to teens about all issues, including recreational drug, alcohol and cigarette use.
Once they are alone, and know that our conversation is confidential, teens are typically very honest about their habits, or if they’ve experimented with drugs and alcohol. They feel comfortable confiding in me about whether or not they think it’s a problem, or whether they need help. I can also explain any concerns parents may have brought up beforehand.”
There are many treatments and solutions for teens with drug-related problems; depending on the severity of the addiction, counseling and various forms of therapy can be highly successful.
“I have found that drug use in teens often stems from issues of low self-esteem,” Dr. Mollo said. “Instilling a firm sense of self-respect in your children, and keeping the lines of communication open, can give them the stability and confidence they need to avoid getting into serious trouble.”
If you suspect that your child may be using drugs or alcohol, it’s a good idea to contact your pediatrician,” she added. “We are trained to recognize the symptoms, and can often talk things through with patients in a much less aggressive, less threatening manner than parents themselves. Teens are also more apt to open up to their physician than they may be to their mother or father.”
For more information on teen drug or alcohol use, contact your MKMG Pediatrician. | 
