Myths about teen addiction
I recently came across an article about the 7 Addiction Myths About Teens and Their Parents. Coming from a home where my brother is an addict and witnessing first hand his behaviors and the family culture he was raised in, I found these myths about teen addiction to be SO true.
You can read the details from the article of each myth by clicking on the link above, but I’ll list the myths here.
Myth #1: Only Bad kids become addicts
I could create a list of dozens and dozens of amazing people who are addicts. This is one of the biggest myths out there. Some of the best people I know struggle from addiction.
Myth #2: Addiction is a behavior problem
While addiction can appear to be simply a behavioral problem, it generally runs much deeper than that. Addiction can often be a numbing agent.
Myth #3: The household lacks discipline.
I can attest first hand the truth of this myth. It’s just that. A myth. My parents raised 6 kids in a loving, structure home. They expected a lot out of us (but not too much). They required us to do chores and expected us to do well in school. They disciplined. My brothers addiction had nothing to do with lack of structure or discipline in our home.
Myth #4: The parents must have set a bad example.
This one is interesting. There are certainly teens who are addicts that come from some pretty rough home environments. But there are plenty of addicts who come from homes with parents who set incredible examples and yet their child is still an addict. A teen who abuses drugs or is an addict is most definitely not a direct reflection of home life or parenting.
Myth #5: The parents should have been paying more attention.
That saying “hindsight is 20/20” could not apply more in this situation. Even the most vigilant parents can’t always detect signs of drug or alcohol abuse and addiction in the early stages.
Myth #6: Willpower is enough to stop addiction.
While there are the occasional stories of addicts who stop “cold turkey” and do it on their own, that is certainly the exception rather than the rule. At some point, the drug/alcohol abuse shifts from voluntary to compulsive and the addict loses control to stop without outside help.
“Mind-altering substances physically change the way a normal brain functions. The brain’s chemical and biological processes influence behavior and thinking. As a part of the brain, willpower is at the mercy of this process. Parents can do a lot for their kids, but they cannot repair brain function.”
Myth #7: The parents should have been able to handle it.
“Despite what comes out of the rumor mill, dealing with a child’s addiction on your own – without professional help – is typically a bad idea that’s destined for failure.”
My parents did all they could to help my brother. Addiction is complex and complicated and almost always needs outside help. Parents shouldn’t be ashamed to seek for that outside help.
