Teen Drug Abuse:
Are Parents Partly To Blame?

by Agnes Embile Jimenez, Guest Blogger

Some parents blame themselves for their teen’s drug use while others blame their child for making poor decisions. In some cases, parents place the blame on their teen’s friends.

Although peer pressure plays a large role in drug use, the behavior of parents often contributes to the problem. In some cases, parents fail to monitor their child. Busy parents may not keep track of their teen’s whereabouts. Parents may be working long hours, which give a rebellious child plenty of time to experiment with drugs without getting caught.

Too Busy

Parents who do not spend much time at home usually have many excuses as to why they are so busy. Any parent who has a child who is doing drugs needs to figure out a way to be there for their child after school and on weekends so they can keep an eye on the teen.

Parents who are unable or unwilling to monitor their child consistently should consider sending their teen to a boarding school where they will have rules to follow each day. Children who have parents who smoke cigarettes, drink alcohol and do any type of drugs are more likely to engage in the same behaviors. Parents who get drunk or smoke marijuana cannot expect their teens to listen to their lectures on the dangers of drug use.

Not setting a good example

Parents who take certain prescription drugs such as strong painkillers may also be setting a bad example. Teens may even steal alcohol, drugs or prescription medication from their parents because it is readily available. Some teens begin taking drugs because they have had a difficult childhood or they are not happy with their current home life. They may feel depressed and confused and do not want to deal with the pain they are experiencing.

Teens often feel like they don’t fit in at school and if their home life is unpleasant as well the child may begin to take drugs to escape his or her misery. A child that is taking drugs needs to go to rehab and receive counseling.

May need help

Parents also need therapy to find out what changes they need to make in order to support any positive life changes that their child makes. Parents can find a list of rehabilitation programs and therapists online at TheFamilyCompass.com website. The site provides helpful information for parents who have a troubled teen.

Parents who are interested in sending their child to a boarding school in the United States can visit the website to see a list of alternative boarding schools that offer great programs for troubled teens.

and Finally Remember:

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.”
– Matthew 7:7-8

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