Teens and Substance Use: What’s The Buzz All About?
- Mar 19, 2008 - comment
By Rob Chambers
Why is it that in spite of all the known consequences of drugs and alcohol that teens “experiment” or continue using and abusing these substances? After all, many, if not all teens know of someone who was involved in a drunk driving accident or has been in trouble due to drugs or alcohol. Despite this knowledge many teens think it’s worth the chance to “play around” with these substances. Several reasons have been given to explain this rationale, but there is one that is the root of them all.
Many see drugs and alcohol as a novelty—not unlike how a young child would view a new, unfamiliar toy. Like a child, teens view these substances as an anomaly or something to play with that will produce new excitement and, in their mind, the risk of the harmful effects is worth the perceived reward of a new adventure.
Still, other youth have no problem with drugs or alcohol because they see the use of drugs and alcohol as normative. Many see it used and abused in their homes, and nearly all have been exposed to a pop culture that has portrayed substance abuse as normal, accepted behavior.
For example, teens see substance abuse in TV shows and movies, and hear it affirmed in music they listen to. They see the behavior of the likes of Britney Spears or hear music like Indo G’s new album, Purple Drank, named after a cough syrup concoction that gives a buzz similar to smoking marijuana. Teens see or hear of this behavior and perceive it as normal and draw the conclusion that “since everyone else is doing it,” then it must be ok.
The idiom “birds of a feather flock together” can somewhat be said of teens as they are quasi-tribal as they move in groups. This is not necessarily a bad thing but can be if they don’t know who they are themselves. The truth is many teens are unsure of who they are and, hence, they don’t know what flock to fly with—much less the one they ought to fly with when facing peer pressure. A Christian, whose identity is tempted by and given over to sin, chooses to act immorally.
Unfortunately, a teen’s desire for significance and belonging manifests itself in the abuse of drugs and alcohol. A deceptive and destructive identity has been chosen over the true, life-giving identity in Christ.
Teens whose identity isn’t grounded in a biblical, Christian worldview and who are not able to defend that worldview are much more likely to seek or succumb to substance abuse. Studies have shown the greater a teen’s maturity of faith, the less likely they are to indulge in “risky” behavior—but this should be no big surprise to the Christian community.
So, what should parents and churches do to ground teens in the Christian faith and prepare them to defend their beliefs when away from church and home and in a secular, humanistic culture?
One of the greatest blessings parents and churches can do is share with their teens the message of salvation and the truth that as a born-again Christian their identity is found only in Jesus Christ. Also, regularly share the truth that they are complete in Him—not the clothes, cars, friends, or status they do or don’t have.
Parents should be involved—not only in their scholastic and extracurricular activities, but more importantly—in their spiritual development which is intended to serve as an under pinning for how their Christian faith affects all areas of their lives.
Let’s love our teenagers and serve them in Truth so that the possibility of their lives being destroyed by substance abuse greatly diminishes.
This article is printed with permission from the March issue of the “Practical Principles for Christian Living,” a monthly publication of the Christian Action Commission of the Mississippi Baptist Convention.
The Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission works to fight substance abuse across the country. If you would like to learn more about this important issue, additional resources are available here. If your church is interested in purchasing materials on substance abuse, please visit our online bookstore and erlc.com.
Further Learning
Learn more about: Family, Addictions, Substance Abuse, Children