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Teen drug abuse often starts unintentionally masked as “just smoking a cigarette” or “only smoking a joint”, or even “doing shots”. But, it quickly progresses to harder drugs, some found right within your home or the home of a loved one.

With peer pressure to experiment with drugs, teens are turning right to their own medicine cabinets, experimenting with “soft drugs” such as cold medicines or even inhalants. With little persuasion, these same teens progress to harder drugs, often times also found right in their home or the home of a grandparent. Narcotic abuse-hydrocodone, oxycodone and oxycontin- is becoming increasingly popular, as teens consider narcotics “legal”, since they are prescribed by a doctor. So, what can you do to help your teen withstand the peer pressure to experiment with drugs?

First, be uncool. Be the most uncool parent on the planet by being nosey- very nosey. Insist on knowing where your teen is at all times and who they are with. Don’t allow them to associate with others that you don’t know.

Secondly, educate your teen. Don’t just tell them the dangers of drug abuse-show them. Words can only go so far in making an impression in their mind. Consider taking them to a Narcotics Anonymous or Alcoholics Anonymous meeting or some other drug rehab program. Let them see and hear, first hand, how alcohol and drug abuse affects and ruins the lives of those individuals at those meetings.

Thirdly, and what may seem to be such a simple concept: talk. With the advent of cell phones, texting, instant messaging and the like, face-to-face communication within families is decreasing. Many rely on texting as their primary method of communication. One cannot gauge emotion or potential problems through mere text on a screen. Make face-to-face communication a priority.

Fourthly, participate in activities as a family. This isn’t always the easiest task, so enlist the help of your teen- ask for their input on enjoyable things to do together as a family. They’re more likely to be a willing participant if you let them assist in planning activities.

Fifthly, set core values for your family. Let them know that drugs and alcohol are not part of your family’s values and lives. In order for this to be effective, however, you must take the lead. YOU are their example to follow.

While you may do all of the above listed things, your teen still may experiment with drugs. It’s necessary that you are acquainted with the early warning signs of drug abuse such as depression, withdrawal from activities your teen once enjoyed and secretiveness in a normally open child. If you notice any of these behaviors, intervene immediately and get your teen into an effective drug rehab program. The quicker you act, the greater your chance for successful, swift recovery.