 |
|
 |
|
  |
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
| 1. |
There is usually no clear-cut reason why any one person ends up with a drug problem. |
|
|
|
|
| 2. |
The earlier a young person commences drug use, the bigger the risk that their use will go on to be problematic. |
|
|
|
|
| 3. |
Parents own alcohol/drug use patterns influence their children's use. |
|
|
|
|
| 4. |
It helps to not take too much responsibility for your child's drug use problems, and to not let guilt stop you from taking appropriate steps to help. |
|
|
|
|
| 5. |
There may be a family vulnerability for substance dependence. It is impossible to know who in a family will develop problems. |
|
 |
|
|
There is usually no clear-cut reason why any one person ends up with a drug problem. A combination of many factors is more likely to make a person at risk of drug abuse, including:
- an individual's vulnerability
- family dynamics
- genetic factors
- school factors
- peer factors
- community factors
If a number of risk factors are present and fewer protective factors, then this will increase the likelihood of a problem.
Research shows that experimental drug use does not necessarily lead on to regular use¹. A lot more people use drugs experimentally, than people who will have serious drug problems. The earlier a young person commences drug use, however, the bigger the risk that their use will go on to be problematic².
Research suggests parental disapproval of underage alcohol use reduces likelihood of adolescent drinking behaviour.³
Alcohol or drug use by a young person may also be a learned behaviour. Parents own alcohol/drug use patterns influence their children's use. It is important to be aware of any 'double standards' you may have, for example, if you drink alcohol excessively but expect your child to not use drugs excessively.
It is helpful for parents to see and understand how their own behaviour may play a role in their young person's difficulties. It may be important for you to change your habits in order to set a good example for your children.
However not all drug or alcohol use can be attributed to family factors. When a young person develops a substance abuse problem, it is usually because of a number of factors. So don't let guilt overwhelm you and prevent you from taking appropriate steps to help your child and yourself.
Research also suggests that parental 'monitoring' of the whereabouts of a young person reduces the likelihood of problematic drug use. Ensure that your children know that you expect them to tell you where they are going, who they are going out with and when you can expect them to be home. They need to know that this information is important to you.
Sometimes young people get into trouble when they have too much freedom and feel that no-one is interested in them. It can be difficult and challenging finding a balance between giving them an appropriate level of independence and freedom for their age and still monitoring their behaviour. Talk to friends or relatives who have children of a similar age about how they are managing this issue. Consult with teachers, youth or family services if you need additional help. You don't want to be nagging at your child all the time but you do need to have some expectations of their behaviour.
There may be a family vulnerability for substance dependence. Studies show evidence for a genetic vulnerability or pre-disposition to developing substance dependence. People from families where alcoholism or other drug use problems exist, may be more likely to develop substance abuse problems. How this pre-disposition is passed on is not clear.
This does not mean that all people in a family are going to have an increased risk of substance abuse problems. The effect can miss generations. Parents can feel upset that their own parent was an alcoholic and that even though they didn't drink themselves; their child has drug use problems. It is impossible to know who in a family will develop problems.
If your child has a drug or alcohol problem, Alcohol and Other Drug Services may be able to help you to understand the reasons why this has happened. But it may be more helpful and useful to concentrate on how to deal with things now, rather than constantly seeking an explanation for why the problem developed in the first place.
It is worth remembering how much alcohol is a part of Australian culture. It is very much a part of most adult social events and there is a lot of pressure on young Australian males to drink heavily.
Also under our Western medical model, we tend to seek medical or 'drug' solutions to physical and mental health difficulties. This makes us something of a "drug-taking" society. It is not a huge step for people (including young people), to "self-medicate", or to try to use alcohol or another drug, to relieve mental, emotional or physical discomfort or pain.
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
