Risk-taking teens
What families can do to help stem the tide

A National Institutes of Health study confirms that the part of the brain that keeps risky behavior in check isn't fully formed until age 25. This explains, in part, why teens are more likely to abuse drugs and alcohol and take part in other high-risk activities.

Even if risk-taking can be explained as a "normal" teenage behavior-something they don't think too hard about, that helps them carve a unique identity and feel in control of their lives-it probably won't mean you'll worry less. As adults, we know that smoking marijuana before class can lead to failing grades, and driving drunk can be deadly. Knowing that teens have less ability to apply the brakes before delving into these types of activities might actually make you worry all the more.

Some comforting news for families...

Parents can have a powerful influence in keeping their teens from taking part in risky behaviors.

Recent research compiled by the National Office of Drug Control Policy shows that teens who have positive relationships with their parents are less likely to engage in such risky behaviors as using alcohol, tobacco and illicit drugs, and are less likely to be sexually active. In fact, teens cite their parent's influence and approval as the number one reason they chose to say no to risky behaviors despite powerful peer pressures.

Helping teens steer clear of risky behavior Families that have weathered the teen years, high school social workers, school resource counselors and law enforcement officers offer these suggestions to help teens steer clear of risky behavior:

• Keep the lines of communication open. The more ways you find to connect with your teens, the more you'll know about what matters to them. Taking time to check in with them on a daily basis will help you understand what matters most to them and lets them know that you are there for them, despite the fact that they are growing up and away from you. You'll be more tuned in to the stress they feel and how they are handling this-research indicates that stress is one of the main reasons teens turn to drugs and alcohol. You'll also be more likely to note changes in their behavior (depression, anxiety, drop in self-esteem, unexplained weight loss, etc.) that could signal trouble.

• Model positive ways of handling stress. Whether navigating friendships and romantic relationships or striving to make the grades, teens' lives can be filled with anxiety and pressure. Teens can learn a lot about how to handle their own stress in healthy ways from the example you set. Encourage them, with words and your own actions, to set realistic goals (e.g., doing or being their personal best rather than striving to be better than others), learn to prioritize (work first/play later), get enough sleep, eat a balanced diet and engage in healthy, stress-busting physical activity on a regular basis.

• Know what teens might be into. Think your teen is downing Robitussin(r) for a nagging cough? You might want to think again. Although alcohol and marijuana remain the top drugs for teens, more and more they are also using over-the counter substances, such as cough syrup containing dextromethorphan and prescription pain-killers (e.g., OxyContin, Vicodin) and medication for anxiety disorders (e.g. Ritalin) to get high. Take stock of the prescriptions you have in your home. Discard those that you aren't using or that are outdated. If you or your teen use medication for an anxiety disorder or depression, keep tabs on how frequently you are requesting refills of the prescription. At www.theantidrug.com, you can learn about the many drugs available to teens and the dangers they pose. Another trend among children and young teens involves inhaling vapors from common household products such as spray paints, felt-tip markers, glues and cleaning fluids. For more information on this link to http://www.inhalants.drugabuse.gov/

• Know what your teens are doing away from home. Although they are forging their own lives, teens still need supervision and loving support. Know your teens' friends; if you think they are using drugs or taking part in other unhealthy behavior, your teen may also be doing the same. Call to make sure parties will be supervised. Parents of kids who have developed serious alcohol and drug problems say that if they could do it over, they would more carefully monitor where their kids spent their free time and with whom. Although you won't stop them from experimenting if they decide to do so, keeping tabs on them can send the message that you care and want to help them stay healthy. [top]