Every society give strong response to criminal act and legal system
which is controlled and run by several organs of the govt are responsible to
curb the criminal environment so that the welfare of the nation and peaceful
prevail. So, when we talked about 21 century in which we lived. There are many
resources from where we can extract knowledge. Children are becoming more aware
of the things. So they want to try and experiment all the things in their own
way.
Ones' surrounding matters a lot in child development. When child enters
into teenager there are many hormonal changes takes place. So, as a parent, it
is natural to worry about your teenager and like many parents are afraid that
their teen may try drugs or worse become depend on drugs. This paper explains
about existing constitutional and legal framework in India to protect the youth
from drugs.
While we cannot control everything your teen does, you can take
steps to help your child stay away from drugs. Start by learning all you can
about drugs and drug use. Learn the sign of drug use so that you can be alert.
Then use these tips to help prevent drug use in your youth. This paper examined
the role of apex court for the protection of teenagers from intoxication and
aware them from the hazardous effect of drugs.
Introduction
Teens who abuse drugs may have a greater risk of developing an
addiction when they are adults. It's important to know the difference between
drug abuse and addiction. Many teens experiment with drugs, but aren't
addicted. Recognition and prevention of drug use can end an emerging problem
before it starts.
Setting a good example and having talks about drug use are
strong tools for teenage substance abuse prevention. A drug is
any substance that causes a change in an
organism's physiology or psychology when consumed. Drugs are typically
distinguished from food and substances that provide nutritional support.
Consumption of drugs can be
via inhalation, injection, smoking, ingestion, absorption via a patch on the
skin, suppository, or dissolution under the tongue.
Information
First, learn about the different types of drugs that may be used. Older teens
are more likely to use drugs than younger teens. Marijuana (pot) is still
common. More and more teens are using prescription drugs.
Why Teens Use Drugs
There are many reasons why teens might use drugs.
Some
common reasons include:
- To fit in. Social status is very important to teens. Your teen may do drugs in
an attempt to fit in with friends or impress a new group of kids.
- To be social. Some teens use drugs because it lowers their inhibitions and makes
them more comfortable socially.
- To deal with life changes. Change is not easy for anyone. Some teens turn to
drugs to deal with situations such as moving, starting at a new school, puberty,
or going through their parents' divorce.
- To ease pain and anxiety. Teens may use drugs to deal with problems with family,
friends, school, mental health, or self-esteem.
Teen Drug Experimentation
Half of all new drug users are under the age of 18. Experimentation plays the
biggest role in teenage drug use. However, experimentation is a fact of life and
just because a teen has tried drugs or alcohol doesn't mean they will become an
addict. It's more important to understand why some teens are tempted to
experiment.
Common reasons teens abuse drugs include:
- Curiosity
- Peer pressure
- Stress
- Emotional struggles
- A desire to escape
The majority of adults with an addiction first experimented with drugs before
they turned 21. The good news is that the rates of teenage drug abuse have been
declining. If you think your teen is using drugs, there are teen addiction
treatment options available.
Signs of Teen Drug Abuse
There are many signs that a teen is using drugs. It can be difficult to tell the
difference between the pangs of adolescence and actual drug use, but parents can
be proactive in talking to their teen to find out what's going on.
Some common signs of teen drug abuse include:
- Bad grades
- Bloodshot eyes
- Laughing for no reason
- Loss of interest in activities
- Poor hygiene
- Diminished personal appearance
- Avoiding eye contact
- Frequent hunger or munchies
- Smell of smoke on breath or clothes
- Secretive behavior
- Unusual tiredness
- Missing curfew
It's up to parents to initiate a conversation with their children if they
suspect drug use. One in five parents who suspect their teen is using drugs do
not intervene to prevent further drug use.
Help Prevent Drug Use
While there is no sure fire way to make sure your teen never does drugs, you can
take the following steps to help prevent it.
Stay involved. Build a strong relationship with your teen and show support for
their interests.
Be a good role model. Your own behaviors send a direct message to your teen,
whether you know it or not. Do not use drugs, and use prescription medicines
only as directed. If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation.
Meet and get to know your teen's friends. If possible, meet their parents too.
Encourage your teen to invite friends over so you can get to know them better.
If you think a friend is a bad influence, do not hesitate to step in or
encourage your child to make other friends.
Set clear rules for your teen about drug use. This may include not riding in a
car with kids who have been doing drugs and not staying at a party where anyone
is doing drugs.
Know what your teen is doing. Teens who are unsupervised are more likely to
experiment with drugs. Keep tabs on where your teen is and who they are with.
Ask your teen to check in with you at certain times of the day, such as after
school.
Encourage healthy activities. Hobbies, clubs, sports, and part-time jobs are all
great ways to keep teens busy. By staying active, your teen will have less time
to get involved with drug use.
Talking With Your Teen About Drugs
It is not easy, but it is important to talk with your teen about drugs.
It is
one of the best ways to prevent teen drug use.
Here are some tips:
Do not make it one "big talk." Instead, have ongoing conversations about drugs
with your teen. Use news stories, TV shows, or movies as a starting point for
conversations.
Do not lecture. Instead, ask open-ended questions like, "Why do you think those
kids were using drugs?" or, "Have you ever been offered drugs?" Your teen may
respond in a more positive way if you have a real conversation.
Let your teen know how you feel. Make it clear to your teen that you do not
approve of drug use.
Give your teen time to talk and listen without interrupting. This will show that
you care about your child's opinion.
Spend some time every day talking about what is going on in your teen's life.
This will make it easier to talk when tougher subjects come up, like alcohol,
drugs, and sex.
If a teen admits to taking drugs:
Parents shouldn't overreact if their teen comes clean about using drugs.
Overreacting or lashing out can prevent a teen from opening up about their
experience. Getting teens to talk is important to determine if their drug use
was a one-time thing or if it's becoming a problem.
Parents should explain how they care about their child and the child's future.
Teens who feel supported and loved are also more likely to stop experimenting
with drugs or seek help if they have an addiction.
If a teen denies drug use:
Naturally, there is a possibility that teens may lie about their drug use.
Parents should reassure their child that they are concerned and want to help.
If a teen continues denying using drugs but the parent still suspects
untruthfulness, a home drug test or professional help can uncover a teen drug
problem. Therapists, pediatricians and addiction specialists can help diagnose a
teen drug problem.
Common Drugs that Teens Abuse
The most common drugs abused by teens aren't much different from those of
adults. But the reasons for abuse may be different as teens often abuse a
substance based on its accessibility. Teens are also more likely to take
excessive amounts of drugs and alcohol because of how they perceive the risks
and dangers.
Alcohol
Alcohol is the substance most commonly abused by teens. The social acceptance of
drinking among people of legal drinking age can lead many teens to view alcohol
as relatively harmless. Research suggests teens are more likely to binge drink
because their impulse control hasn't fully developed.
Approximately 20 percent of 12th graders reported binge drinking in 2014. Nearly
40 percent had used alcohol in the last month.
Binge drinking increases the risk of addiction in people of any age, and the
teenage brain is more susceptible to addiction. Talking to teens about theses
risks can curb underage drinking.
Marijuana
Regular marijuana users most often started during their adolescence. The
perceptions of marijuana use among teens is changing; most high school seniors
do not think smoking marijuana occasionally carries any risk. More than 20
percent of teens report having used marijuana at least once in the past month.
Prescriptions and Over-the-counter Medications
Many prescription drugs have intoxicating effects, and this is no secret to most
teens. Narcotic painkillers like OxyContin and benzodiazepines like Xanax
produce pleasurable effects that teens may seek out. These substances have high
addictive potential and a risk of overdose.
Nearly 40 percent of teens who abused prescription medication obtained the drugs
from their parents' medicine cabinet.
Teens may also abuse over-the-counter medications. The substance
dextromethorphan (DXM), a cough suppressing substance, is found in many common
cold and flu medicines. DXM can cause intoxicating effects in high doses, and an
overdose is a real possibility.
Addiction Treatment for Teens
Many teens have a tough time dealing with sadness or other stresses common
during adolescence. It is understandable that they may think having a drink or a
little marijuana can offer relief. The best way to deal with stress, however, is
to seek emotional support or find someone to talk to.
If a teen has already tried quitting or reducing use and failed, then it's
important to receive treatment as soon as possible.
There are treatment centers designated for teens that target the emotional and
social issues that led to their drug use.
Conclusion
If you think your teen is using drugs, start by talking with your
family health care provider. Your provider can help treat your teen, or can
refer you to a drug specialist or treatment centers. You can also look for
resources in your community or local hospitals. Look for a specialist who has
experience working with teenagers.
Do not hesitate, get help right away. The sooner you get help, the less likely
your teen's drug use will turn into drug abuse. Most teen treatment centers also
offer educational support so teens in recovery don't get behind in school. The
earlier an addiction is recognized, the easier it is to treat.
Reference:
- https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001975.htm
- https://www.addictioncenter.com/teenage-drug-abuse/
Award Winning Article Is Written By: Ms.Harshni Slathia
Authentication No: JA32592204986-16-2021
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