The use of drugs is the teenage years is commonly associated with curiosity, a poor self image and painful memories. The need to escape reality coupled with not understanding the harm the use of drugs brings leaves our young adults vulnerable. Their lack of resources and missed hints by family members and peers that they are hurting leaves them to turn to other methods of finding comfort and acceptance.

A Young Adults Need For Leadership

Young adults look for role models to begin patterning their life after. This is often a person or people who have impacted his or her life in a deep way. These range from television celebrities, sports coaches, teachers, club / team leaders, etc. A young adult needs time to discover their giftedness and purpose in life while at the same time have boundaries to prevent them from hurting themselves. Their ability to predict the outcome of their actions is hindered until they have moved through puberty and their mind and brain has developed into that of an adult. The once safe world may now easily become overwhelming, resulting in the need to escape.

The Influence Of Peers

The day to day conversations a young adult has heavily affects their decision making process while maturing. It is important parents and those in leadership positions are available to talk when the young adult has questions. Otherwise the advice given from peers isn't balanced with the life experience being an adult brings.

Being sincere (including admitting past failure) with your young adult will build trust. In tern the respect built will make you a candidate to talk to when facing tough decisions and personal problems. Part of being a parent is to allow your child room to grow and "scrape their knees" if a poor decision has been made, but to still be available to talk to while they understand the choice they made that hurt. Shaming a young adult for a poor decision made builds walls and breaks trust.

What Will Help?

• Developing attainable goals and seeing them through.
• Parents expressing love through in both physical affection (hugs, pats on the back) and in tangible ways (rides, providing resources for goals to be met)
• For parents to remain approachable during your childs young adult years

For Additional Help

The following are reputable organizations:
• Teen Challenge Canada