There are numerous causes of teenage drug abuse, each of which can contribute to a life-long habit of consuming drugs, alcohol and cigarettes. Certain circumstances have been identified as risk factors for developing a drug habit at an early age, which means that the teenagers who exhibit those risk factors are far more likely to abuse drugs and alcohol.

Lack of Supervision
It stands to reason that one of the primary causes of teenage drug abuse is poor parental supervision. Children and teenagers who are left alone for long periods of time or who are allowed to come and go as they please will have more opportunities for exposure to drugs. Fortunately, this is one of the causes of drug abuse that can easily be avoided.

Alcohol remains the drug of choice. However, for teenagers to obtain alcohol, someone must buy it for them, and parental supervision can prevent that. Ask where you child is going, get a phone number where he can be reached, and monit his activities outside the home. Get involved in your teenager's life and interest yourself in what he does with his time. The more you know about your teen, the better you will be able to protect him from drugs and alcohol.

Don't be one of those "cool" parents who hosts parties where alcohol is served. You're sending a dangerous message that you find drinking acceptable, and you're exposing yourself to legal liability.

Availability
If there is alcohol in your home and your teenager has access to it when you are away or not paying attention, you're leaving the door open to abuse.

This applies to all drugs, from cigarettes to prescription medications. Teenagers are learning that they can achieve highs from legal drugs that are prescribed to someone else. Methamphetamine, hallucinogens and psychoactive drugs can be found at so-called "pharm parties." Many of the drugs found at these gatherings are obtained from teen's own homes.

Keep prescription drugs, alcohol, cigarettes and other substances in a locked cabinet or drawer. Make it clear that using these substances is not acceptable, and check the levels of all substances regularly.

Availability is also an issue when it comes to retailers. If retailers sell alcohol and cigarettes to minors, they are contributing to the problem. Most communities have programs in place to make sure that customers present ID to buy alcohol and cigarettes, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't be vigilant. If you see or hear about local retailers providing alcohol or cigarettes to minors, let your community licensing board know about it.

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