Drug Addiction May Come From Troubled Childhood
There is a bit of a stigma when it comes to teen drug users, a prejudice that compulsive and impulsive behavior leads to substance experimentation. While this may or may not be true, a recent study shows that it may not be the attitude that causes drug abuse; it may be some kind of childhood trauma that leads to the attitude. Therefore, a traumatic childhood may increase the risk of drug addiction.
The study revealed that siblings who came from the same kind of abuse or loss did not also turn to drugs, despite otherwise compulsive behavior. There are those who choose to cope with trauma differently. The message here, then, is that childhood trauma is not an excuse for drug abuse. Knowing about it, however, may help parents prevent their children from walking that dark road.
What Kinds Of Trauma Can Lead To Abuse And Addiction
There are many things that could be traumatic for a child. Physical and sexual abuse are the obvious ones. Emotional abuse is more surreptitious but can include any kind of criticism or verbal belittling.
Environmental influences can put undue stress on a child. Domestic violence or even a series of heavy arguments between parents can cause feelings of insecurity. Violence in movies or newscasts on TV or radio can bring about fear. Parents and teachers often notice changes in behavior after such influences appear.
You may also check for trouble at school, such as bullying or cyber-bullying, or academic difficulties. Even those who are straight-A students deal with insecurity and fear for their future. A 4.0-grade average doesn’t always guarantee success or mean that a child knows how to tackle his future or say no to drugs.
The Connection With School Drug Use
With that being said, it is a sad fact that most kids get their drugs at school. In fact, ninety percent of students admit that they know where to get drugs during the school day. Dealers smuggle it in in water bottles, lipstick tubes, and electronic devices. Kids soak gummy bears in alcohol so they can get drunk in class on the sly.
On the other hand, drugs can also be obtained at home. Another side of domestic influence is the startling number of parents who promote drug use to their children, either by setting a poor example by using drugs themselves, allowing drug and alcohol use at home, or even encouraging it in their children. This happens with alcohol use by minors and underage drinking that is often ignored and even allowed by parents.
What to Do To Prevent Drug Use With Your Kids
If you are a parent suffering from drug addiction, the most important thing you can do for your children is to get help. Secondly, talk to your kids about the effects of drugs and alcohol and the effect it will have on their lives. Studies show that kids whose parents and peers educate them on drugs and alcohol abuse are far less likely to experiment with it.
Watch for signs of childhood trauma and keep communication open with your teen. Allow him to come to you with questions about any area of life; show him that it is safe to talk to you about anything. Helping him learn how to overcome life difficulties in a drug-free manner is essential to his future survival.
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