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October 24, 2008
Posted: 09:47 AM ET
Teen drug and alcohol abuse is a serious issue; one affecting a lot of families in America. In fact, there has been a 212 percent increase in 12- to 17-year olds abusing prescription drugs since 1992. So where do you think these teens are getting their drugs? Officials says some parents may be enabling their teens’ dangerous habits. Columbia University’s National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) reports a third of teenagers are getting prescription drugs, mostly painkillers, from home—either given to them by a parent, or taking them straight from a parent’s medicine cabinet. Marijuana abuse has also become an issue. 25 percent of teens surveyed said they know a parent who uses marijuana, and about 10 percent of those parents are using the drug with their teenage kid.  So what needs to change to reverse this troubling trend? The answer may be as simple as re-engaging in your teen’s life. Monitor teen whereabouts: Have your kids stay home on school nights and set realistic curfews. The CASA study found that 50 percent of teens who are allowed to stay out after 10 p.m. on school nights are using marijuana, alcohol or smoking cigarettes. More family dinners: Studies show kids who have dinner with family five or more days/week are significantly less likely to abuse drugs and alcohol. Model healthy behaviors: Teens often look to parents as examples when setting boundaries in their own life. So don’t use drugs with your teen and don’t be afraid to talk about the dangers of drug abuse. Safeguard prescription drugs: Keep painkillers and other prescription drugs in a place not assessible to your teen. To read more about the CASA survey, click HERE Be sure to tune in to Dr. Sanjay Gupta every weekend on HOUSE CALL. You’ll find the answers to your medical questions Saturday and Sunday at 8:30 a.m. ET on CNN. Posted by: Dr. Sanjay Gupta - CNN Chief Medical Correspondent |
 
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