Troubled Teens Resources

A good friend did this week-end what, I imagine, thousands of parents across America are doing. Renting limos for their teenager’s proms. She made a specific point of instructing the driver, in front of all of the teenage passengers, that if any alcohol or illegal substance were to be discovered or if any one of the teens were acting intoxicated, that he was to call her immediately. She made it clear to the teens the consequences that they would face if any deviation from the rules occurred.

A recent study indicates that parents remain the strongest influence in a teen’s life. Use your power as a parent. Teen crisis intervention starts with prevention and education. The following are suggested guidelines to use in letting your teen know exactly what your position is on drugs and alcohol and the consequences for violating the rules.

TIP 1: Clearly state what actions you expect your teen to take when confronted with substance use. Teens who know what their parents expect from them are much less likely to use substances, including alcohol.

TIP 2: Talk about the alcohol use that your children observe. Parents need to make it clear how they want their children to handle substances, such as alcohol and tobacco. Children need to have controlled exposure to learn the rules of acceptable use.

TIP 3: Help your teen find leisure activities and places for leisure activities that are substance-free. Then, keep track of where, with whom, and what your teen is doing after school and during other free times.

TIP 4: Limit the access your children have to substances. Teens use substances that are available. They report that they sneak alcohol from home stocks, take cigarettes from relatives, and obtain marijuana from people that they know well.

TIP 5: Inform teens about the honest dangers that are associated with alcohol use and abuse. Although teens are not highly influenced by such information, some discussion of negative consequences has some impact on the decisions they make.

Especially emphasize how alcohol clouds one’s judgment and makes one more likely to be harmed in other ways.
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