August 16, 2007
Parents Clueless and In Denial About Teen Drug Use
It would be hard not to argue that the last generation or so of parents may be the worst parents in US history. Teens in America use drugs and their parents are clueless and/or don't care.
What's most telling is that parents are not trying to figure out WHY their kids are using drugs. Hey parents, drug and alcohol abuse is a red flag for pain. Parents in the church, I've found over the years, are often in serious denial as well.
But, America, when your kid's only value to you is their athletic and academic performance, and how good they make you look, this is what happens.
From the Associated Press:
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Teenagers say drug problems at school are getting worse, and parents express doubts about ever making such schools drug free, a new study says.In a recent survey, 13 percent of teens said they had tried marijuana; 4 percent said they'd used in the past month.
The percentage of teens who say they attend high schools with drug problems has increased from 44 percent to 61 percent since 2002, and the percentage in middle schools has increased from 19 percent to 31 percent, according to the survey to be released Thursday by Columbia University's National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse.
Four in five teens in high school told researchers they have witnessed the use, sale or possession of illegal drugs on high school grounds, or seen someone who was drunk or high on campus.
Some 13 percent of teens said they had tried marijuana, and 4 percent said they had used it in the past month. Such survey results are often understated because respondents are hesitant to admit such drug use.
The survey also found:
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• About six in 10 parents of teens at schools with a drug problem say they believe the goal of making that school drug free is unrealistic.
• Most parents, 86 percent, say drinking is a big part of the college experience, but only 29 percent think their own teens will do a lot of drinking in college.
• Students who consider themselves popular were more likely to use drugs, drink or smoke than students who do not view themselves as popular.
The survey found 24 percent of teens named drugs as their number one concern, down from 32 percent who listed it as a top concern in 1995.
"It has become such a commonplace experience for teens that their concern about it has come down," said Joseph Califano, the center's chairman and president. We've reached a point now in America's high schools where getting high, getting drunk are so common -- drugs are now imbedded in the high school experience.
"And despair and denial characterize the parents' attitudes," he said.
And keep in mind that drug use rates in the suburbs and rural America are HIGHER than they are in urban areas. So when you think of "teen drug abuse" the picture in your head should be a suburban kid.
BTW, parents who keep their kids in the Christian bubble, if you don't think these stats apply (with slightly lower percentages) at your kid's Christian school your living in a fantasy world.
Why are these rates so high?
Posted by anthony at August 16, 2007 07:46 AM | TrackBackWhile I disagree with the statement that US parents are the worst in history, I do understand the problem. The thing is American parents have always viewed their children in the light of what they can do for them. I would extended this and say all parents at least in the West did this. Children where not viewed as people that are in need of love and support instead viewed as workers. It was not till 1924 we even recognized the dangers of child labor. If you read the literature from the South there is not much difference between a slave and a child.
You add in the fact that children now can have access to information and money that was unheard of even 50 years ago and you get this.
We as humans do everything we can to avoid reality and live in a fantasy world. The thing about reality is it is real and will at some point destroy your fantasy world either outwardly or through mental illness.
Parents must stop treating their children like slaves and instead love them for who God made them to be. This takes work too be honest most people what to be lazy. Christians as a whole are no different.
I know for most of my life I avoided all the pain and reality I could. Which consummated in choosing to go to a treatment center.
As for my family we are dealing now with the fantasy world we built. My father, sister, brothers and I have choose to face the pain of reality and thank God for it. Hopefully soon my mother will be able to join us on this journey of Spiritual Growth.
Posted by: Brian at August 16, 2007 11:22 AMAnother point that hasn't been raised is that many teenagers are guided to drugs by their parents and culture. The current generation is one of self-medication. If we teach kids that prescription/non-prescription drugs can solve a lot of problems of course they'll turn to marijuana and alcohol for kicks. What's the difference between xanax and pot? Very little.
Posted by: davidm. at August 16, 2007 11:31 AMI'm really frightened by the level of drug use in very young children -- kids today are even given drugs by their parents just to get them to sleep on long car trips. When did childhood become a disease?
Posted by: alice at August 16, 2007 11:38 AMDavidm you said "What's the difference between xanax and pot? Very little."
Actually alot xanax is a minor tranquilzer where pot is a simulant. Now xanax and alcohol are about the same as far as the effects on you central nervous system. And both are the only two drugs that can kill you if you stop use abruptly.
As for your main point you are right about the self-medication. Xanax though useful for some is over prescribed and is an avoidance tool. One main issue with modern medicine is the avoidance of pain instead of dealing with pain. I know I was given xanax to help with my sleeplessness instead of figuring out why I was not sleeping and it bit me in the butt.
Alice yeah I think there was a New York Times article on the us of sedatives in young childern.
Posted by: Brian at August 16, 2007 01:24 PMIsn't marijuana/THC a mild hallucinogen (too?)?
I vividly remember a nice big drug bust at my high school--filled with the kids of steelworkers who had fled Gary, IN. And yes, a lot of parents were in denial about it....
Posted by: Robert Perry at August 16, 2007 06:25 PMBrian said, "While I disagree with the statement that US parents are the worst in history"
Ahhh, is that what I said?
Posted by: Anthony at August 17, 2007 09:24 AMI just wonder what this will mean when these kids become adults and are running the country.
Posted by: Anthony at August 17, 2007 10:03 AMBrian said, "While I disagree with the statement that US parents are the worst in history"
Ahhh, is that what I said?
Nope you said in US History, my mistake. I meant I do not think they are the worst in US history.
Yeah THC is normally a mild hallucinogen. I also need to correct that THC and Xanax both affect the central nervous system, just in different ways.
Posted by: Brian at August 17, 2007 09:54 PMWell, if anyone wants to burst the "christian bubble", go to www.edstetzer.com, scroll down to the post "Listening to students about leaving the church".
Posted by: t.smith at August 20, 2007 12:10 PM