Motherhood: Ways To Protect Your Teen From Alcohol And Other Drugs 6

Hello Great Mothers!

Teenagers often experiment with drugs and alcohol. Unfortunately, they fail to understand how their activities today will have an impact on their future. Additionally, they frequently believe they are invincible and impervious to difficulties.

Some teenagers will dabble with drugs and stop, while others may use them on occasion while having minimal consequences. However, some will become dependent, progressing to more harmful substances and potentially hurting both themselves and others significantly. Knowing which teenagers will explore and stop and which will explore and get addicted to alcohol is not easy. Therefore, as discussed in my previous article, it is necessary for us, as mothers, to adequately educate our children on the use of alcohol and its negative effects on their health.

Also, we need to know that teenagers who have the traits listed below are most likely to be involved in alcohol and other drugs.

1) teenagers with a family history of substance use disorders.
2) teenagers with depression, low self-esteem,
3)teenagers with feelings of rejection

Mothers! Points 2 and 3 listed above depend on our relationship with our children, and our availability and ability to take issues affecting them very seriously. This begins right from their childhood.

For example; a)your child is being bullied in school and you did not care enough to go to his/her school to handle it because you feel your child is weak.
b)Your child is feeling rejected in school or at home because of how he/she is being treated and you think your child is overreacting or you didn’t even notice because you are too busy making money to care for him/her.
C) Your child is having difficulties in his/her education and you think he is being lazy. Instead of you helping him/her out you are yelling at the child.

We must give our children attention, show them love and handle any issues concerning them promptly and with care. If not, as they grow up, they may feel not loved, rejected, and depressed. These feelings may result in such teenagers turning to their friends who may introduce them to the use of alcohol to get over these feelings. You and I know that these don’t work. So, the more they feel this way, the more they take alcohol, and they may end up trying other drugs to feel better.

Aside from giving our children attention, it is also pertinent that we are sensitive to the signs exhibited by teenagers who are involved in alcohol. With early detection, the child can be quickly helped.

Some of these signs have been discussed in my previous article, others will be discussed in my next article. Watch out!

Kindly drop your comments if you find this article helpful.

Bye!!