Young people are constantly trying to construct social meaning of the world, to make sense of the world they live in and work out where they fit. This is an expected transition in adolescence as new skills and knowledge is established necessary for independence in adulthood.

The reality is that many young people will be exposed to drug use or find themselves in drug using situations and some influences will be reflected in their decisions about whether to start using or continue to use a drug. Some of these influences may include:

• Their past experiences
• What is currently happening in their lives
• Who they are associating with
• The places they go including where they might go to socialise
• Their personal beliefs and values about many aspects of life including drug use
• Their interest in experimentation
• Their interest in risk taking behaviour
• The level of acceptable alcohol and other drug practices of others around them, including family members and peers
• The effect of popular media including film, advertising and the internet
• Access and availability to alcohol and other drugs

Vulnerable Stages

The most vulnerable periods for coming into contact with drugs, or beginning drug use are transition periods, particularly when young people are facing new education, employment relationship or other social challenges. These might be transitions from primary to secondary school, school to work, beginning or ending relationships or involvement with new social groups.

As new ways of relating to others are developed, the self-identity evolves. The choices they will make often arise from situation experienced by their peer group and sometimes situations will be unique to a young person. Protective factors for young people include freedom, personal safety, consistency in expectations, limitations and boundaries and the opportunity to fulfil the need for acceptance by others.

Providing Support

Young people need support and multiple opportunities with trusted adults to talk about feelings and to experience validation for their feelings and concerns from parents and caregivers.

Typically, young people live in the moment and often are not thinking so much about the future. In our genuine concern for their future, adults will try and influence their transition based on what is believed to be in their best interest. Adult advice can be met with rejection, even rebellion as young people assert their right to determine their own behaviours and attitudes.

As young people age and develop, parents are faced with adjustments. In some ways parenting the child is very different to parenting the adolescent young person however, fundamentals don’t change. For example, concern for personal safety is forefront in parent’s minds when raising an adolescent child.

Structure, guidance and support are ongoing parenting practices at the same time more freedom for practising independence and decision making is necessary in preparation for the transition to adulthood.

As the child grows through adolescence, the parental role transitions away from absolute responsibility for their child to a more shared and equal responsibility.

Reactions

Regardless of age, the majority of parents are protective and seek to reduce any risk factors which may harm their child. Sometimes a young person can be harmed.

At these times, parents can find it very difficult to accept that their adolescent ‘child’ is experimenting with alcohol and other drugs and the immediate reaction is to take back parental control.

Often parents will be angry and feel let down. Then will come a time of reflection, most of the time trying without success to pinpoint where it all went wrong. Other significant people in the young person’s life will be singled out as a negative influence.

Remember, young people are able to anticipate their parent/s reactions. Time for thinking is important, as quick decisions by parents about the appropriate reaction to the situation might not lead to the desired outcomes. Careful thought and planning, which may include the support of other adults or professionals, is worthwhile.

The choices made by parents in response to the drug use may be so unexpected that it can seem a bit inadequate. However, it may be that this new position is responded to by the adolescent with either positive or negative behaviours.

For further information check out our Protective Behaviours: Think Before you.. factsheet