Parental Oversight Crucial in Preventing Teen Substance Abuse

As teenagers experiment with drugs, alcohol, and tobacco, they are more susceptible to addictions later in life, underscoring the importance of parental oversight. Studies have shown that early drinkers, those under age 14, are three times more likely to become alcoholics than people who wait until 21 to start drinking. Moreover, teens who start using marijuana before age 17 are at higher risk of developing schizophrenia.

Key Takeaways:

• Teenagers who use drugs, alcohol, and tobacco are more susceptible to addictions later in life, with 52% of 12th-graders in Pima County admitting to using these substances in their lifetime.
• Early drinkers, those under age 14, are three times more likely to become alcoholics than people who wait until 21 to start drinking.
• Teens who start using marijuana before age 17 are at higher risk of developing schizophrenia.
• D.J. Arriaga, a nurse and counselor at the Center for Behavioral Health Tucson, emphasizes the importance of parents setting a good example, stating that 80% of teenagers in rehab have seen their parents use drugs.
• Parents should maintain open communication with their children, asking about their friends, activities, and behavior to monitor their involvement in substance abuse.
• Jamal Givens, a program coordinator for CODAC Behavioral Health Services in Tucson, advises parents to talk to their children every day and be aware of their surroundings and activities.

Statistics:

• 52% of 12th-graders in Pima County admitted to using alcohol, tobacco, or drugs in their lifetime (2004 Arizona Youth Survey).
• 29% of teenagers who used these substances engaged in binge drinking.
• 3% of teenagers who used these substances were heavy smokers (2004 Arizona Youth Survey).
• 80% of teenagers in rehab have seen their parents use drugs ( documented by D.J. Arriaga).

Sources:

• A story by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch in Monday's Star
• D.J. Arriaga, a nurse and counselor at the Center for Behavioral Health Tucson
• Jamal Givens, a program coordinator for CODAC Behavioral Health Services in Tucson
• Dr. Danielle Dick, a clinical psychologist and geneticist at Washington University
• 2004 Arizona Youth Survey compiled by the Arizona Criminal Justice Commission