Connect more…with your teen’s emotions

Chemical use impairs development of the teen brain

Marijuana and your teen’s brain
Researchers have found that THC, the major active chemical is marijuana, changes the way in which sensory information gets into and is acted on by the hippocampus. This is a component of the brain that is crucial for learning, memory, and the integration of sensory experiences with emotions and motivations.

Alcohol and your teen’s brain
High levels of drinking among adolescents are particularly troubling given recent evidence that a tremendous amount of structural and functional brain development takes place during the teenage years. Evidence is accruing that alcohol impacts brain function and behavior differently during adolescence than during adulthood. During adolescence, significant changes occur in the body, including the formation of new networks in the brain. Exposing the brain to alcohol during this period may interrupt key processes of brain development, possibly leading to subtle learning impairments as well as to further escalation of drinking.

Talk with your teen early and often about making positive choices
It's not too soon to begin conversations about alcohol, tobacco and drug use. National studies show that the average age when a child first tries alcohol is 11; for marijuana, it's 12. And many kids start becoming curious about these substances even sooner. Information and lessons about drugs are important enough to repeat frequently. Answer your teen’s questions as often as they ask them to initiate conversation whenever the opportunity arises.

Having that conversation… with your teen. Here are key talking points to get you started:

We are here to make it clear that we will not tolerate any drug or alcohol use by you.
  * We have rules in the family. The rules do not permit teen drug and alcohol use.
  * Even though you think everyone is using drugs or alcohol, it is illegal and not allowable.
  * You can endanger your life and the lives of others. We don’t want anything bad to happen to you. I don’t know what I’d do if I lost you.
  * We count on you as a family member. Your brothers and sisters look up to you and care about you. What would they do if you were gone?
  * Drug and alcohol use can ruin your future and chances to…graduate, go to college, get a job, and keep your driver’s license.
  * We are here to support you. What can I do to help you not use?
  * Sometimes kids use drugs and alcohol because there are other issues going on like stress, unhappiness and social issues. Have you thought about this? Are there        other problems you want to talk about?
  * Are your friends using? How are you handling that? Is it hard to not use in that environment?
  * We won’t give up on you because we love you. If you need professional help, we will be there to support you and help make it happen.

Chemicals are too easy to get and too easy to use; teens can feel good with very little effort
Teens have many stresses and the notion that “chemicals will make you feel better” can have a lot of appeal. Teens might see alcohol, marijuana and other drugs as something to experiment with or that can help them fit in. These chemicals are readily available, so parents need to do their part to discourage their teen from accessing and using.

Teens say that adults are their primary source of alcohol: at home, in stores or on the street.
* If you keep alcohol at home, make sure no one under age 21 has access to it.
* Never provide alcohol for your teen, their friends, or anyone under 21.
* Do not allow your teen to have parties with alcohol on your property.
* Keep track of how much alcohol you have and let your teens know you’re paying attention to those amounts.
* In the past decade, the number of 8th graders who have used marijuana has doubled.
* It may be hard to imagine your teen using marijuana, but the reality is they will be faced with the temptation.
* Teach your teen refusal skills as well as ways to handle the stresses in their lives.

Teens are most vulnerable to experimentation after school
The hours after school, between 3 and 6 PM are when lots of teens get into trouble.
Try to be with your teen, but if that is not possible, make sure your teen is occupied with an adult around: sports, jobs, clubs, after-school programs or religious youth groups.

Helpful websites:
www.nida.nih.gov
www.shouldertoshoulderminnesota.org
www.theantidrug.com
www.talkingwithkids.org
www.miph.org/mjt