Stress and social pressures are often reported by teens as the main reasons why they may turn to alcohol, marijuana, and other drug use. School demands, negative thoughts or feelings about themselves, peer or family issues, taking on too much, or having too high expectations can result in teens experiencing stress overload.
As parents and caregivers, we can play a positive role in helping our teens learn to manage stress in healthier ways:
*Monitor how stress may affect your child's health, behavior, thoughts, and feelings
*Listen carefully to them and watch for signs of overload
*Learn and model positive stress management skills
*Support involvement in sports and other pro-social activities
*Encourage healthy eating habits, regular exercise, and good sleep routines
*Teach relaxation techniques like deep breathing and muscle relaxing activities
*Break large tasks into small, attainable goals
*Show how to challenge negative thoughts with neutral and positive thoughts
*Take frequent breaks to listen to relaxing music, draw, read, or journal
Teens can benefit by practicing "relaxation responses" that include deep breathing and medication to lower heart rate and/or confide in a trusted adult or friend to talk about their feelings - these are 2 healthy ways to deal with stress triggers.
Read: https://americanaddictioncenters.org/blog/the-link-between-teen-anxiety-and-substance-abuse
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