activities. Know where your teens are
and who they are with.
You should also establish clear
rules around drug use, and also
consequences for not adhering to
those rules. The consequence should
always be realistic and commensurate
with the infraction. For example,
finding out that your teen smoked
pot with his friends should not
result in cutting off his college fund.
Removing phone, internet or gaming
privileges for a time is generally a
good option if that is something that
your teen enjoys.
What’s the answer?
I wish we could say that research has
shown us sure-fire ways to help addicts
recover quickly. Unfortunately, users
often have to repeat stints in rehab,
over and over again. Substance abuse
disorder is one of the most intractable
mental health diagnoses. It is not
simply a problematic pattern of
behaviour that one can start and stop
as one would an exercise programme.
Researchers have honed in
on those who are most at risk for
substance abuse – those colloquially
known as having an “addictive
personality”. We know that the teens
most at risk are those with a family
history of substance abuse, physical
abuse, emotional distress and/or
mental health disorders; teens with low
social support; and teens from families
who do not accept their sexuality.
But the drugs available in
Hong Kong and worldwide, such
as ketamine, methamphetamine
and cocaine, are highly addictive.
Exposure can induce abuse in teens
that would otherwise be seen as
having many protective factors, such
as an intact and well-functioning
family, strong social support, and
emotional health. This is the complex
conversation to start with your teen
sooner rather than later.
Dr Kate Threlfall is a clinical
psychologist, and practises at Central
Health Medical Practice.
It is not simply a
problematic pattern
of behaviour that
one can start and
stop as one would an
exercise programme.
