Responding to Drug Abuse 4

This week we’re looking at five steps to take if you have a teen who’s abusing drugs or alcohol. Here’s step number four – determine the depth of the problem. Experts distinguish four common types of adolescent drug users. The Experimenter uses drugs or alcohol to gain acceptance by the peer group or to satisfy his curiosity as to what the high is all about. The Recreationist uses drugs as an avenue to share a pleasurable experience with friends. The Seeker pursues an altered state of consciousness and regularly uses drugs or alcohol to achieve that effect. The most dangerous user is the Addict. He can’t live without drugs. A thorough initial evaluation should determine where a teenager falls on the severity spectrum. Then, an effective and appropriate course of treatment can be recommended. Parents, love your kids by getting them the help they need to address their substance abuse issues.