FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (EASTON-JUNE 4, 2007)
Parent Attitudes About Substance Abuse Can Affect Teen Use
Parents may have more influence than they think on their teens’ use of alcohol, tobacco, and drugs. A recent survey by the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University reveals that parents’ disapproval of substance abuse can be an important deterrent to teen use. These findings mirror the results of the 2004 Maryland Adolescent Survey where Talbot County youth indicated that if they think their parents disapprove of using, they are less likely to use. Another recent survey conducted by Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) and Liberty Mutual Insurance Company found that teens whose parents set high expectations and impose serious consequences are less likely to drive while impaired.
With research clearly pointing to the importance of parent modeling, what can parents do to help their teens know they are involved and care? According to Mark Carpenter, Psy.D., Program Director of the Talbot County Addictions Program, “Actions really are louder than words when it comes to substance abuse. It’s more important what we do than what we say and that our children know what we think about the issue.” He adds, “Parents establish a tone in terms of values and beliefs in the home. They are powerful in setting a compass for the family.”
Carpenter states that because teens are impressionable and are at a stage of development where they are trying to separate from their parents, it is important that parents keep open lines of communication with their children about the issue of substance abuse. Teens also need other avenues to instill values and beliefs which is where community standards are important. Plugging teens into church and school activities reinforces alternatives to substance abuse. Teens not plugged into alternative activities can be at greater risk.
The Columbia University study points out that one of the riskiest times for teens is between the ages of 13 and 14, when teens go from middle school to high school. The study revealed dramatically escalating substance abuse risk for 14-year olds, who are four times likelier to be offered prescription drugs; three times likelier to be offered Ecstasy; three times likelier to be offered marijuana; and two times likelier to be offered cocaine. The study states that the risk continues to escalate throughout the teen years.
Carpenter adds, “As a child ages, they often experiment with risky behaviors as a way of finding their own identity. Our role as a community is to model appropriate behavior to help teens set the tone for their actions.”
Sometimes teens need other adults in their lives, outside of their parents, to help them sort things out. These adults may be youth leaders, teachers, or family friends. The expression, “It takes a village to raise a child,” is never more true than when dealing with the teenage years. Surrounding our children with supportive, caring adults can help them down the road as they sort through challenges that may arise.
