[Sheryce Allendorf]
In a culture where alcohol, marijuana, and other substances are often sensationalized by our media, more and more youth are experimenting with, and/ or using these substances on a regular basis. Whether this is the result of the glamorization of substances, growing up with adults using and partaking in controlled substance use, or ‘trying to fit in;’ as a community, we must do more to engage our youth and encourage healthy coping skills. The California Center for Disease Control reported that 22% of high school students in California, reported having five or more drinks in a row, within a couple of hours, in the previous thirty days. Although this statistic is from 2011, there has been an increase in binge drinking by youth twelve to seventeen years of age based on more recent studies. Additionally, 9.4% of youth twelve to seventeen were reported as current users of illicit drugs, which includes marijuana, cocaine, heroin, hallucinogens, inhalants, and misuse of prescriptions drugs.
While, as adults, we may minimize the risks posed to youth who use alcohol or other drugs, based on our own childhood experiences, belief system, or media, research has shown that an individual’s brain continues to develop well into young adulthood. The use and/or abuse of alcohol and controlled substances in teens, can impact brain development and negatively impact neurocognitive functioning, which can impact how these youth function in adulthood.
Additionally, in 2014, 33% of youth twelve to seventeen years of age, who use illicit drugs or alcohol, had a co-occurrence of a major depressive episode. With the stigma surrounding mental health disorders, inability to obtain services, and one’s own denial, many youth are going without services that could support mental wellness, and instead, youth are using alcohol and other illicit substances to cope.
How do we help our youth? Whether you are parent, raising a child, or a member of our community, you play a vital role in assisting our youth to become the best they can be. The following are some ways help engage, support, and set examples for our youth:
Lead by example: If you are using illicit drugs or consuming alcohol which impacts your ability to manage daily responsibilities, seek out help and support.
Encourage community/recreational involvement
Stay connected: eat a meal together, play a game, engage in meaningful conversation
Make plans with your youth; give them something to which they can look forward
Pay attention: pay attention to a youth’s verbal and non-verbal cues. If there have been changes in behavior, personality, or routine….connect, ask, and provide support.
Set age appropriate boundaries, and expectations-stand by your word.
Get to know your children’s friends, and their parents
Trust your instincts; if you think something is cause for concern, act
Seek out professional support-there are many quality services providers locally that can provide substance use assessments, and mental health services, including, but not limited to, El Dorado County Mental Health, New Morning Youth and Family Services, Summitview Child and Family Services, Sierra Child and Family Services, South Lake Tahoe Family Resource Center, Tahoe Turning Point, and Tahoe Youth and Family Services
