Prevention of Substance Abuse in Children

Introduction:

Substances like alcohol and tobacco (psychoactive drugs) are easily available to children and adolescents. These drugs can lead to dependence syndrome (a group of behavior, a cognitive and physiological phenomenon that is caused by repeated use of drugs). Children are generally carefree and do not understand the effects of their actions, which can lead to harmful risks.

What Are The Most Common Causes Of Substance Abuse?

• Easy availability of substances like alcohol and drugs.

• Peer pressure or to be accepted socially.

• Parents are under substance abuse.

• A mental or behavioral health ailment (depression, anxiety, or ADHD - attention-deficit or hyperactivity disorder).

• Risk-taking behavior or show-off behavior.

• Experiencing trauma, for example, a car accident or being a victim of abuse.

• Self-esteem lowered or feeling rejected by society.

What Are the Signs And Symptoms Of Substance Abuse?

1. Physical Signs:

• Red eyes.

• Flushing of the skin.

• Unexplained weight loss or weight gain.

• Slurred speech.

• Loss of coordination.

• Uncommon smells in the breath or on the clothes.

• Disturb sleep.

• Poor hygiene.

• Abscesses.

2. Behavioral Signs:

• Unable to concentrate.

• Misconduct in school.

• Children may lie easily.

• Mood swings.

• Children may be hyperactive or fatigued.

• Unable to adjust with family.

• Children say inappropriate things.

• Guilty consciousness.

• Feeling depressed.

• Loss of self-esteem.

• Children may harm themselves.

What Are The Consequences Of Drug Abuse?

Children under drugs are at higher risk of developing drug dependence in older age. They generally do not interact properly with others due to poor judgment in speech. Children also suffer from mental disorders like anxiety or depression. Studies show that people under drug abuse are associated with high-risk, unsafe sexual acts, often which leads to an unplanned pregnancy. Substance abuse can lead to a decline in academic performance. Also, multiple health effects are associated with drug abuse.

• Cocaine can cause an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and seizures.

• Ecstasy can cause liver failure and heart failure.

• Marijuana can cause behavior problems like the inability to learn new things or concentrate, the risk of psychosis, schizophrenia, and paranoia.

• Methamphetamine can increase the risk of psychosis.

• Opioids can cause respiratory distress or even death.

• Electronic cigarettes can increase the risk of nicotine dependence.

How To Prevent Substance Abuse?

• Role Of The Parents: Parents can impact the decision-making of children. Parents should try not to be overprotective. Ultimately, children will have to make their own decisions, and some will be poor choices. However, parents can influence their choices through these actions.

• Knowing The Child's Friends: Friends are an integral part of the child's life and greatly influence the child. So knowing them can be of great help. If they negatively influence the child, encourage the child to hang out with the people who bring out the positivity.

• Set A Good Example: Children tend to copy their parents. If the child sees the parent drinking or smoking, it can set an example for the child's future behavior. Parents should do their best to model good behavior.

• Build A Positive Environment: Children feel safe in a home where they are valued and cared for by being themselves. Parents should reinforce good behavior and build the child's self-esteem. Teens who doubt themselves often tend to choose drugs or alcohol. Parents should be involved in their lives, have strategies to diminish stress, and teach healthy living (relaxing strategies) to children.

• Talking About Drug Abuse: While talking to teens about drug abuse, ensure to talk when uninterrupted (so keep the phones aside). Do not have a conversation if someone is angry, drunk, or high. Ask the children about their views on drugs, do not lecture, and ask them to be honest. Discuss with them the reasons for not using drugs. Brainstorm the child on how to turn down the offers for drugs. Social media can glamorize drugs and explain that these are not true. Share experiences of drug abuse. Let them know the dangers of getting involved with drugs.

• Do Not Inculcate Wrong Beliefs: Wrong beliefs like saying to the children that good people do not drink or smoke. Children will later find it hard to accept and think that their parents lied to them and the world is very different outside. This attitude will make children rebellious and carefree, leading to the use of drugs. Rather make Children aware that Moderate Alcohol will be fine and the hazards of drugs.

• Peer Pressure: Teens face a lot of peer pressure in middle or high school. Explain to the child that peer pressure can influence them to do some things that they would otherwise not. Teach them to identify the situation and instruct them to say "NO." They may think this might make them look uncool. Parents must explain that not following the crowd is the coolest thing ever.

• Monitor The Child's Activity: Closely monitor the child's activity with their friends. Pay attention to the child's whereabouts. Parents should take care while doing this; they must not look intrusive. If someone suspects anything wrong, follow the instinct.

• Keep Track Of Prescription Drugs: Check for all over-the-counter and prescription drugs.

• Provide Support: Creating a strong bond will prevent drug abuse. Praise and encourage the child often. Do not get angry; understand drug use is dangerous but remember the child is not a bad person.

• Get Professional Help: Consult a counselor or any other health care provider if there is significant drug abuse.

• Participate In Support Programs: Various programs are offered in schools, rehabilitation centers are available, and parents can help children through these programs.

Conclusion:

Grade school is a good time to let the child know about the dangers of using drugs in the future. It is never too late to talk to the child about substance (drugs and alcohol) abuse. A conversation will help children to make healthy decisions. Teaching a child to say NO is more important than teaching them to please others. Children are mimicry artists, so parents should be careful about their behavior and habits. Help children to be responsible for their actions. And finally, remember it is the child's journey; parents can only help them find the path, so be a good role model.