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Young people and smoking, alcohol and substances

Young people and smoking, alcohol and substances

Young people start smoking for many reasons – to act older, to be independent, to fit in, to relieve stress, to rebel against adults, and (sometimes) to be like their parents. Aside from the usual peer pressure and the incessant need to be 'cool' or considered 'edgy' and 'fun', many teenagers are simply curious about the buzz or 'high' they can achieve from taking drugs.

What turns young people onto marijuana? It’s easily available, relatively cheap, and young people say that it relaxes them, it’s effective for stress, and gets rid of their anxiety. Anxiety is a huge issue for young people. In fact, by conservative estimates, half of young people who are addicted to chemicals—alcohol, marijuana or other drugs—also have a co-occurring mental health disorder. The research is clear on the intimate connection between chemical dependency and mental health problems, although it’s often very difficult to tell which comes first: the drug use or the anxiety and depression.

Alcohol is a common part of Australian culture, and it is no surprise that young people want to join in. Alarmingly, recent studies show alcohol may have harmful effects on the developing teenage brain. The risks of accidents, injuries, violence and self-harm are also incredibly high among drinkers younger than 18. In 2005, around one in 10 young people aged 12-17 reported binge drinking or drinking at risky levels. For 16-17 year olds, this number increased to one in five. This rate has doubled in the last 20 years.

Substance abuse no longer refers simply to illicit drugs like ICE, speed, heroin, etc.; more and more people, of all ages, are developing dependencies and addictions to prescription medications. In Australia, the rate of prescription drug addiction was reported as second highest in the world last year. Two categories of medication are most commonly abused: benzodiazepines and analgesics. Benzodiazepines (‘benzos’) include drugs under popular brand names like Valium, Xanax and Serapax. Analgesics are prescribed to relieve pain, and it is the opiates like oxycodone and codeine that are most commonly abused due to their ability to create sensations of euphoria. From 2002-2009 the amount of oxycodone prescribed in Australia increased 180%. Those who are prescribed strong medications such as opioids and benzodiazepines can become dependent on these drugs without intentionally misusing them, as tolerance can develop and people need to take more and more over time to receive the same pain relief. Non-medical use is when prescriptions are taken outside of their intended use, including taking a drug not prescribed to you, taking more than prescribed, or crushing, chewing or otherwise misusing a prescription medication. The point here is, these drugs retain their addictive qualities even when they are prescribed, they are not ‘safe’ because prescribed by a doctor, a doctor provides clear and specific instructions with any prescription that must be followed to reduce the risk of addiction and abuse, and it is possible to overdose and die from these prescription drugs. In Victoria in 2014, prescription drugs were involved in 82% of overdose deaths, with benzodiazepines most commonly involved, and opioids coming in a close second. Young people struggling with prescription drug addiction will need professional addiction treatment in order to overcome their addiction, and the effects on the brain are the same as other addictions such as alcoholism or addiction to illegal drugs.  

Here are some tips which could help parents talk to their young people about smoking, alcohol or substance use:

  • Approach the subject in a calm and understanding manner, so your child feels confident about confiding in you and revealing whether or not they are taking/have tried or are currently under pressure from friends to drink, smoke, take drugs.
  • Do your home-work first, research smoking, alcohol and drugs so you can speak to them confidently about the substances they are using, making them aware of the risks and the implications on their well-being.
  • Talk to them about their feelings and try not to judge them or create arguments whilst they are talking. If you have taken drugs in the past, now might be a good time to tell your child about your experiences and why it was important for you to stop.
  • Try to avoid lecturing them. They'll only become irritated and want to rebel against you. Instead, remain chatty and friendly but keep your views and ideas firm so they know your position on drugs and are clear about why they should avoid them.

Remember, you are the parent. Your first role is to support and protect your child. It's also important to remember that as a parent you can only do so much. If your advice and help isn't working (and your child is still taking drugs) it's important to seek help from an external source specialising in drugs. Admitting you need help is nothing to be ashamed of - smoking and drugs are addictive substances and young people from all walks of life, backgrounds and families can easily become addicted. In many cases, taking drugs is merely a passing phase or 'fad' that teens sometimes go through and it will eventually pass.

It doesn't mean you are a bad parent, nor does it mean they are a bad child.

The best thing any parent can do is to set a good example and be responsible in their own use of alcohol, smoking or substance use. Even when children are small they will observe what their parents do. Teenagers are particularly aware of double standards, and will be less receptive to adults who say one thing and do another. Be honest, keep lines or communication open with young people,

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