Child substance abuse
requires caring adult vigilance and treatment

By THOMAS RUE

Adolescence is a time for self-definition and individuation. Experimenting with various behaviors is a normal, healthy part of this process.

But problems can occur when this behavior crosses into dangerous acts. One threat to teen safety is the temptation to experiment with drugs or alcohol.

Surveys indicate the drugs most frequently abused by adolescents today rank in this order: cigarettes, alcohol, pseudo-speed (caffeine tablets, etc.) and marijuana.

While some reports suggest teen use of so-called "hard" drugs like cocaine or heroin is on the wane, parents and other concerned adults still need to be aware of some of the possible warning signs. Drugs vary in effects and dangerousness, but all can be dangerous in the hands of a child.

Before focusing on negatives, parents would often do better -- from the very start -- to encourage attitudes and behaviors that lead to inner strength, contentment and fulfillment. Qualities like self-esteem, confidence at school, responsibility, ambition, self-reliance, friendliness, optimism, hard work, etc.

On the other hand, drugs are available at most public high schools -- even in rural areas like ours. Young people who have not developed the courage to "say no" may be tempted to have a few beers or smoke a joint, to impress respected peers.

With budget cutbacks threatening public funding of extra-curricular activities in many area school districts, as well as community recreational programs, teens are left with more unstructured time on their hands. Finding positive alternative activities may be among the most important things parents can do to effectively organize against teen alcohol and drug abuse.

Behavioral concerns

If you see any of these behavioral problems in your teenager, start by talking with the child. If that doesn't't bring satisfaction, consult a school counselor. If desired changes still don't come, go elsewhere. Don't give up.

Some behavioral or other signs which could be cause for concern -- possibly indicating substance abuse or emotional problems -- might include:

Unexplained irritability or marked mood swings

Sleeplessness or lethargy over an extended period

Protracted loss of appetite

Repeated staying out beyond established curfew

Sudden radical drop in school grades or truancy

Suspicious odors (alcohol, burnt marijuana, etc.) or, in the case of marijuana, discarded seeds or stems

Criminal or delinquent activity, with or without arrest.

While the above suggestions are offered as possible signs for concern, it must be stressed that teenagers are developing young adults. They are entitled to a reasonable expectation of privacy in their own space, appropriate to their age and maturity. Rarely would it be advisable for a parent to snoop through a teenager's belongings, searching for drugs or paraphernalia unless there were already previously existing cause for suspicion.

Seeking treatment

But if a teenager is in this kind of trouble, for a parent to not seek such treatment -- when substance abuse is known to be occurring -- would probably be legal grounds for a child neglect proceeding.

Once again, start by sitting down and talking with the child. But you will probably need to go further than this. Denial and false promises to quit are almost universal among addicts and alcoholics. They may go to great lengths to convince you they will never use again. Before accepting such an assurance, it is best to get a professional assessment.

Confidential substance abuse/addictions counseling is available at local county-operated clinics. Fees run on a sliding scale, down to a few dollars a session for low-income families. It is important to be firm, to ensure the child attends the counseling. Rarely will they do so voluntarily. Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, or other similar programs, are peer support groups which are invaluable resources in the recovery process.

If you are unable to motivate a child into treatment -- using cajolery or parental authority -- filing a family court petition, naming the child a person in need of supervision (PINS) is another option. Even without committing a crime, a juvenile can be brought before a judge this way, by a parent or school authority.

A PINS petition involves procedures which safeguard the child's rights to legal representation and due process. Final dispositions can vary -- depending in large part on how involved parents are in the process -- from a suspended judgement or adjournment in contemplation of dismissal (often including mandated counseling or other conditions) to probation supervision (with stricter conditions), to placement in a foster home or residential care.

A wide spectrum of counseling and other supportive services exist locally -- some of which, with your consent, may actually be brought right into your home. Other services require regular visits to a counseling office. Help is available.

Setting an example

Children learn from what they experience at home. If they see Mom or Dad turn to a bottle of drink or pills for emotional relief or relaxation, they will get the message that this is normal and acceptable.

Keep the lines of communication open. This is the best example. If a young person has parents who are approachable, trouble with drugs or delinquency becomes much less likely.

The vast majority of teenagers do not abuse drugs, thanks to caring parents and successful public education campaigns. Only if you see warning signs like those described above should you become suspicious.

But for a child, any use of illegal or restricted substances constitutes abuse. Without the benefit of full life experience, children are not generally capable of making the kind of judgments involved in drawing a line between "responsible" and "irresponsible" use. If you determine your teenager is using alcohol or other drugs -- to any degree -- take concerned and loving action.

[A contributing editor to The River Reporter, Thomas Rue is a National Certified Counselor who lives in Monticello.]

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Entire contents © 1991, Stuart Communications, Inc.

Child substance abuse requires caring adult vigilance and treatment

Child substance abuse
requires caring adult vigilance and treatment