Your son has been having behavioral problems lately. He has not been completing his homework, he has been late to school, and he is having disciplinary problems at school and at home. He closes his door and withdraws from the family. You were thinking that this was just normal teenage angst that he was going through. One morning, while he is at school, you go into his room and see pieces of aluminum foil with burn marks on them. You also find several lighters inside his dresser drawer. You now suspect that he is using drugs.
Address the following in 5–6 paragraphs:
- What type of drug do you think he is using? Explain why.
- Where would he be able to obtain this drug? Explain.
- Why do you think he began using this drug? Explain.
- How will you react when he comes home from school? Why?
- What positive impacts or repercussions might your reactions have on his future drug use?
- What would you do to alleviate the community problem of youth drug use and abuse? Explain.
Requirements: 5 to 6 Paragraphs in depth
here is the textbook to use as a reference – Abadinsky, H. (2017). Drug Use and Abuse: A Comprehensive Introduction (9th Edition). Cengage Limited.
Answer preview
Peer pressure is likely the main factor that contributed to heroin use since he wants to fit in and do what his friends are doing to impress them. This is one way of seeking the feeling of being known and valued by others because they are doing a common thing, whether legal or illegal. It is difficult for a teenager to turn down an invitation from friends to attend a party with drugs (Wangdi & Jamtsho, 2019). Availability of the drug is also a major contributing factor to drug use. He might have tried heroin for the first time to experiment but ends up using it more often because it is available for him. He might also be struggling with depression and seeking relief from heroin.
Most drug users tend to become aggressive if asked about the drugs they use; it is advisable for parents to remain calm and maintain their voices low when dealing with them. This will avoid instances where the teenager is irritated and even does things that can harm himself. I would choose an appropriate time when we are both calm and start a conversation. Employing good listening skills is highly encouraged to make him feel that he is being understood. It is advisable to let him know the effects of heroin and offer him assistance on how he can stop.
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