#19. Teenage Life and Drugs: Alarming News Every Day
With the onset of the teenage years, our bodies undergo multiple physical and physiological changes mediated by hormones. So it is these years that are the most vulnerable years for every person. These are the years when crime seeps into the minds. These are the years when a person gets caught in the whirlwind of addiction. These are the years when personality shapes itself for the better or the worse. It is, therefore, imperative for parents to know that they need to monitor their child once they enter their teenage years and that they need to keep a close, but secretive eye on them.
Drugs are, perhaps, one of the most important issues among teenagers today. With mood swings overtaking them, teenagers tend to be impulsive and aggressive. They have a personality that is still in the developing mode and so is vulnerable to peer-pressure and the falsely impressive images on the internet and the television. Alcohol, marijuana, heroin and nicotine are a few of the most common drugs that are used illegally by many teenagers.
All types of drugs that have the potential to cause addiction have detrimental effects on the body and mind. As the mind becomes increasingly dependent on the drugs, it becomes harder to perform normal functions without taking a dose. Worse still, the dose has to be increased steadily to achieve the same effects as before. So we see that drug addicts go into hangovers if the drug is withheld. They become irritable; they break into a sweat; they start trembling all over. It is important to recognize if your child is on drugs before the addiction passes beyond the possibility of treatment.
What are the signs of drug abuse? Keep a wary eye on your child. Notice if they have started to demand more money than usual. Moods will usually change: your child will lose interest in previous activities, will usually be bored and will have changed eating habits. They might become ruder and show signs of hangovers. A very important point to note is if they have made any new friends or if their old friends have changed too. Peer pressure and bullying are some of the most common causes of drug abuse.
Once you realize that your child is a victim of drug abuse, use affection and care to help them get rid of this self inflicted torture. Remember that strictness will do more harm than good. Drug abuse is a torture in itself and should be stopped before it is too late.