Teen Age Drug Abuse and ADHD
Teen age drug abuse has been linked with Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder and some studies exist supporting the connection. By the same token, if your teen has been diagnosed with ADHD, it doesn’t automatically condemn him to inevitable drug use. In fact, some of the arguments against the use of medication contend that automatically treating a teen with drugs sets them up to view pills as a solution.
A diagnosis of ADHD can cause a parent a great deal of concern if they haven’t done their research. Research will reveal a great many alternatives to medication. Getting a second opinion is also advised. It has become too easy to label the merely restless child as ADD.
“ADHD is a real medical diagnosis, but not every child who is fidgety or can’t focus has it. There is a tendency to think in these terms when a child seems restless, and that is not always fair to the child. An immature system, behavioral or emotional issues, crises at home, diet, vision problems or learning issues could also be the culprit, and it takes time to rule out these other possible sources of the child’s inattentive behavior.”
Nor should a parent feel pressured into immediately medicating their teen. Here are some suggested issues to review before a parent makes a decison.
Relevant Tags:add adhd, attention deficit hyperactive disorder, drug abuse, drug use, emotional issues, medication, teen age drug abuse
- Have other causes for my child’s behavior, such as learning issues, been ruled out?
- Does my child have trouble with being easily distracted in all settings, not just school?
- Has ADHD been thoroughly explained to me by my provider?
- Have the possible side effects of medication been explained to me?
- How long should my child be on medication before I see a result? (The good news is that it usually takes only a few days to see a positive result.)
- Do I feel comfortable with my child’s teacher and pediatrician’s level of understanding and knowledge about my child?
