CBS 21 Community

The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and New Hampshire’s Partnership for a Drug-Free America are announcing the findings of the 2008 Partnership Attitude Tracking Study (PATS). The study revealed a major increase in the number of teens who reported “learning a lot” about the risks of drugs from their parents: 37 percent of teens reported this, a 16 percent increase from the previous year.

This is the first major increase in this area since the study began 20 years ago. Research has shown teens who learn a lot about the risks of drugs at home are 50 percent less likely to use, yet many parents have difficulty talking with their kids about drugs and alcohol.

“This progress may indicate parents and teens are finding some common language,” said DHHS Commissioner Nicholas Toumpas, “it’s encouraging to see that some of these very important messages seem to be making an impact on our youth. However, we know there is more work to be done so we must continue our efforts in encouraging parents to communicate with their children about the dangers associated with drug use.”

According to the study, teen meth use has experienced a steep three-year drop. Teen attitudes about meth use corroborate the drop – 83 percent see a great risk in using it regularly, about 85 percent see great risk “in getting hooked on meth,” and 54 percent see trying meth once or twice as very risky. While marijuana remains the most widely used drug among teens, PATS indicates its use has been declining for a decade, with past year use down 24 percent since 1998.

Despite the increase in parent-teen discussions, only 24 percent of teens report their parents talked with them about the dangers of prescription (Rx) drug use or abuse of medications outside of a doctor’s supervision; just 18 percent of teens say their parents discuss the risks of abusing over-the-counter (OTC) cough medicine.

“The strong declines in illegal use combined with the news that teens are learning a lot about drugs and alcohol at home,” said DHHS’s Director of the Bureau of Alcohol and Drug Services Joe Harding “underscores the power and influence of parents.

Yet too many parents are still missing opportunities to talk about the intentional abuse of prescription and OTC medications. This risky behavior is still not on parents’ radar, many of whom don’t realize that when abused or used without a prescription, these medications can be every bit as dangerous as illegal drugs.”

Parents are encouraged to have ongoing conversations with their children about the dangers of drugs and alcohol and the abuse of Rx and OTC drugs.

Experimentation with alcohol and drugs during adolescence is common.  Unfortunately, teenagers often don't see the link between their actions today and the consequences tomorrow.  They also have a tendency to feel indestructible and immune to the problems that others experience.

Using alcohol and tobacco at a young age has negative health effects. While some teens will experiment and stop, or continue to use occasionally, without significant problems.  Others will develop a dependency, moving on to more dangerous drugs and causing significant harm to themselves and possibly others. It is difficult to know which teens will experiment and stop and which will develop serious problems.  Teenagers at risk for developing serious alcohol and drug problems include those:

• with a family history of substance abuse
• who are depressed
• who have low self-esteem, and
• who feel like they don't fit in or are out of the mainstream

Teens use alcohol and other drugs for many reasons. They may do it because they want to fit in with friends or certain groups. They may also take a drug or drink alcohol because they like the way it makes them feel. Or they may believe that it makes them more grown up. Teens tend to try new things and take risks, and they may take drugs or drink alcohol because it seems exciting.

Teens with family members who have problems with alcohol or other drugs are more likely to have serious substance abuse problems. Also, teens who feel that they are not connected to or valued by their parents are at greater risk. Teens with poor self-esteem or emotional or mental health problems, such as depression, also are at increased risk.

What problems can teen substance abuse cause?

Substance abuse can lead to serious problems such as poor schoolwork, loss of friends, problems at home, and lasting legal problems. Alcohol and drug abuse is a leading cause of teen death or injury related to car accidents, suicides, violence, and drowning. Substance abuse can increase the risk of pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including HIV, because of unprotected sex.

Even casual use of certain drugs can cause severe medical problems, such as an overdose or brain damage. Many illegal drugs today are made in home labs, so they can vary greatly in strength. These drugs also may contain bacteria, dangerous chemicals, and other unsafe substances.

What are the signs of substance abuse?

It’s important to be aware of the signs that your teen may be abusing alcohol, drugs, or other substances. Some of the signs include:

• Red eyes and health complaints, such as being overly tired. If your teen often uses over-the-counter eyedrops, he or she may be trying to cover up red eyes caused by smoking marijuana.