Parent Behavior and Teen Substance Abuse

A national survey taken annually by the “Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse” (CASA) has recently found that there is a direct correlation between parental expectations and teen drug abuse. 15 years of these annual surveys make them believe that a child who can make it to age 21 without smoking, using and/or abusing drugs is more likely never going to start up the habit. This year alone, 1,000 teenagers ages 12-17, (509 Boys and 491 Girls) were surveyed along with 452 of their parents. If the parent drinks openly at home it was found that 2/3 of teens that drink an alcoholic beverage at least once a month, are also getting drunk once a month. These teens are 18 times more likely to use Marijuana and are also at higher risk to associate with kids who use other illegal and prescription drugs.

Compared against teens with parents who do not openly drink in front of their children, it is concluded that teens that have seen their parents drink alcohol are twice as likely to use alcohol themselves, and three times as likely to use Marijuana. Also, kids with parents who say future drug use by their son or daughter will happen are 10 times more likely to use drugs than teens whose parents say that it will never happen. Around 96% of the parents surveyed thought that it was very important for their children to abstain from Marijuana use, but only about half thought it was a reasonable expectation of them to actually never experiment with it. And although, most of these parents think that marijuana use is harmful to kids ages 12-17, about a quarter of them think it’s a normal part of being a teenager.

The results of this analysis show that it is important that both parents, especially Dad, send the right message to their kids; convincing them to avoid alcohol and other drugs. The connection between Dad’s acceptance of teen drinking and teens that actually drink is very profound. It is noted that twenty-one percent of teens who drink say their father would approve of it, compared to the five percent of teens who don’t drink that believe there father would approve of their underage drinking. It is also perceived that teenage boys are much more likely to believe that their fathers approve of their drinking than that of teenage girls.

If you feel your son or daughter is abusing alcohol or drugs it is very important to seek the best treatment possible. The longer you wait the more difficult it is to solve.

To speak to a professional addiction counselor please call us today. 1-877-744-3536