Teen Drug Addiction Part 1

Teen drug Addictions are on the rise and one of the most enabling factors is the denial of both parents and the school systems. A problem with addiction is readily tolerated in the inner cities as a byproduct of challenging living conditions.

Move out to the suburbs and its hard to get the parents and schools systems to admit there is a problem at all and therefore everyone looks the other way. In our local regional high school there is a Student Assistance Counselor and only in the last year did they institute random drug testing for all students. Prior to that drug testing was reserved only for those participating in sports. If a child tests positive for drugs or alcohol the child faces mandatory suspension.

After returning to school the child meets 2-3 times with the Student Assistance Counselor and then resumes life as though nothing has happened. I have personally witnessed parents taking the school to task for having requested their child be tested at all. Well meaning teachers frequently look the other way when presented with signs of a child being under the influence. This especially occurs if the teenager in question is not a problem in the classroom.

After I had a conversation with the Student Assistance Counselor, he confirmed what I had known for sometime. The parents are in denial about the drug problem as well. Each start of the High School year they run a program about drug and alcohol awareness for the parents. In a school population of over 1100 students only a handful of parents have shown up. This is despite the fact that there have been several heroin overdoses resulting in the death of students in the area.

It appears that some of the parents actually buy the beer for their under age children to drink with the stipulation that everyone having a drink must stay over that evening and not drive. Perhaps they draw false comfort from the fact that they are controlling the situation. If the kids feel free to drink at home, they wont feel it necessary to drink outside the home.

The teenager must then hopefully make the correct ethical decision that even though it may seem alright to break the law when drinking at home, it would not be alright to break the law in other situations, such as experimenting with drugs, drinking and driving, speeding etc.. It seems unfair that they must bear the burden of these mixed messages. Being the fact that they are teenagers, they do not always behave as their parents might hope. Teens are great for seeing issues as black or white.

Teen drug addiction is actually increasing in part because of this kind of denial. A school system sees the benefit of not having a serious drug or drinking problem within its student population. The negative impact of such a problem would lead to a less favorable rating of the school system as a whole. This helps the administration to turn, if not a blind eye at least a very nearsighted one to the actual problems with substance abuse being experienced by the students.

Teen drug addiction and teen addiction as a whole is a far reaching and a complex issue. It requires a response on many different levels. The fact that the parents of the teenagers and the school system that is greatly involved in their growth are the adults in this situation should at least spark a more unified effort to work on the teens behalf. Perhaps its time that they both look at this serious situation with eyes wide open. Teen drug addiction may not be prevented but we must at least make every effort try to help teenagers make a better choice for themselves.

Maureen Staiano is a Life Coach specializing in working with women and the unique challenges, opportunities and transitions we face in our lives. She has worked with individuals dealing with addictions for over six years including teenagers. You can visit Maureen at: http://www.achieveyourdreamcoaching.com

How To Select A Drug Rehab Clinic
A drug rehab clinic can be the ideal place to detox from the unhealthy lifestyle that is being lead. It is essential that careful planning of which drug or alcohol addition treatment program is selected though. There are many programs around the country that can be beneficial. In most cases, they will treat all substance abuse including alcohol ...

Teen Drug Rehab
It is a fact that half of US teenagers try marijuana before finishing high school. It can affect school performance and sports adversely. Long term use can lead to addiction. In 2002 over a quarter million individuals entering a drug rehabilitation program reported marijuana as their primary drug of abuse.There are a few treatment programs geared s...

Alcohol Addiction Recovery - The Options Available
Those that need alcohol addiction recovery have options to select from. It is very important for anyone that is considering the treatment of their condition to spend a few minutes learning more about their locations and help that is available. Depending on your circumstances, including your funds, your ability to meet the demands and the seriousn...

Drug Rehab
Drug abuse or substance abuse is a widespread issue. Although popular culture has created certain stereotypes for the drug abuser, all are susceptible to drug addiction. The intensity of addiction, the type of substance abused and the effects may vary based on the genetic makeup of the individual among other environmental factors. It is heartening ...

Dual Diagnosis, Eating Disorders and Your Drug Rehab
What is the Purpose of a Drug Rehab Program?We all know that the purpose of a drug rehab program or alcohol rehab program is to help those suffering from drug addiction or alcoholism to achieve long term sobriety. The initial step in drug rehab or alcohol rehab is to check into their alcohol detox or drug detox program. Afterwards, most people move...

Drug Abuse Solutions
Drug abuse today is a major cause for concern and has a negative effect on society at large. Though students constitute a large segment of drug abusers, adults also succumb to drug abuse. There is a tendency amongst middle-aged people to abuse prescription drugs.The first step towards combating drug addiction is to make the abuser aware of the dama...

The Value of Prescription Drug Addiction Forums
A forum is a place where a group of people comes together to discuss a common issue. With the rise of the Internet, many forums are now conducted online. These online forums, also called newsgroups, are good places for people to get information or share their feelings and opinions. Forums usually have a constant general topic with other subtopic...