Drugs have become a major issue in today’s society. However,
people focus their attention on the drug use problem and fail to recognize
the successful ways to prevent drug use and also the treatments for
drug users. If you are a drug user, there are ways to get help.
Don’t just continue to use drugs because you feel there is no
hope. Help is out there; you just need to know where to look.
Remember, it takes the strongest people to admit that they need help.
Also, if you are a non drug user and are looking to stay drug-free,
there are many outlets for you as well. It’s simply not
true to assume that all your friends are doing drugs. The truth
is, most teenagers have never even tried drugs. Almost 75% of
all teenagers have never tried drugs (white house drug policy.gov) once
in their entire life. Therefore, if you are one of these people,
take pride in your decision and recognize that you are not alone.
Prevention in Schools
Believe it or not, schools can play a powerful role when it comes to
drug prevention. Even though it may seem strange, your teachers
and school administrators are good people to talk to for information
about drug prevention. Remember, these are people who want to
help you. Many schools have programs that are designed around
drug prevention. These programs teach kids to resist drugs by
teaching strategies on decision making, how to manage stress, how to
deal with conflict, and also how to be assertive about your decisions
(http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/osdfs/index.html?src=oc).
With this information, students become more aware of drugs and also
learn how to resist using them. Prevention efforts are created
to aid all different sorts of people with all different concerns or
questions about drugs. Programs exist for students who are using
drugs, not using drugs, or even students considering using drugs.
These programs focus on meeting the needs of each student while helping
improve a student’s attendance and grades.
Prevention Outside of School
Today, most communities have also designed drug prevention programs.
These programs often meet after school and can last into the early evening.
Sometimes, the local police department will assist in creating these
programs so they can be assured that teens can have a safe place to
be after school. These programs offer drug-free activities and
often provide adult mentors to younger people. An adult mentor
offers new perspectives on life to youths of all different ages and
can serve as a positive role model for youths who may have few others
to look up to.
An example of one of these programs is the Big Brother/ Big Sisters
of America program. This group has been very successful in providing
mentors to disadvantaged youths. Moreover, a 1995 study found
that “young people in the program were 50% less likely to begin
using drugs than their peers not involved in the program” (http://www.usdoj.gov/dea/).
The bottom line is that when you surround yourself with positive programs
and people from these programs who want to help you, the benefits are
great.
Treatment
Getting treatment for drug users is a very serious issue, one that
should include the youth’s parents. Often, it is the parents
who can help their child the most by educating them about drugs. Teenagers
are often fearful about talking to their parents about drugs, but maintaining
open communication with one’s parents is necessary to live a healthy
lifestyle. If a parent has any suspicion that their child has a drug
problem they should immediately seek the appropriate help. Once
parents have found the appropriate help for their child, they should
stay involved in the recovery process, and the child should welcome
their support. People are often scared of getting treatment for
their problem because they don’t have enough information.
Here are frequently asked questions by teens about getting help for
drug problems.
What treatment is right for me?
All drug problems cannot be cured using one treatment. Also,
different people respond differently to various drug services so it
is important to find a treatment program that you are comfortable with
and one that meets your needs. Your treatment should address all
your drug-related concerns and ultimately help you return to living
a healthy lifestyle as a positive contributor to society.
How long is treatment?
Again, there is no set period of time for how long a person’s
treatment will last; it depends on the individual’s problems and
needs. Treatment could last only a few days, or could span well
over a year, depending on the needs of the individual, but also how
willing the individual is to making the commitment to getting help (http://www.drug-rehabs.com/treatment-methods.htm).
Some treatment will hardly change your life at all, as you may just
speak with a counselor. Other treatment may require you to spend
time in a rehabilitation facility.
What will happen if I get counseling?
Counseling is a critical part to receiving treatment. Counseling
is often very successful because it helps an individual look at their
problem from different perspectives. Counseling helps an individual
by building skills that can be used to resist drugs, and also teaching
new activities that can replace drug-using activities. Counseling
can be done individually or in a group.
Is it possible that I may need treatment more than once?
It is entirely possible that an individual may need several treatments
in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle. This is not necessarily
bad though, as it means the individual recognizes they need help and
is willing to seek that help when necessary. Many people who have
had drug problems seek treatment as a way to check up on themselves
and ensure they are successful in their recovery .
Some Helpful Links and Phone Numbers:
http://www.drugabuse.gov
http://www.drugabuse.gov/MarijBroch/Marijteens.html
http://www.addictioncareoptions.com/
http://www.drughelp.org/
Alcohol/Drug Abuse Hotline
1-800-662-HELP
Drug Help National Helpline
1-800-378-4435
