A new study, south of the border by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) confirmed something that many parents have long suspected. The research focused on teens behind the wheel of a car and noted that adolescents were more likely to speed and make risky decisions when they had friends in the automobile. The study reinforced the influence of peer pressure and how teens are more likely to ignore risks when their friends are watching.

Knowledge that a desire to impress peers may make an adolescent ignore perilous situations will not comfort parents, especially if they are already worried that their teenager may be experimenting with drugs.

During an interview with an addiction counselor, Martine Archambault reaffirmed that teenagers are not always in control of the way that they behave. Ms Archambault who works at the Pavillon du Nouveau Point de Vue, Inc., a non-profit organization founded in 1978, with a mission to assist alcoholics and drug addicts to recover their lives with dignity, warned, “Teens tend to be rebellious and secretive, but there are telltale signs you should be looking for. If you notice a sudden decline in interest in activities your child formerly enjoyed, if there are eating problems, trouble at school and a new crowd of friends that they are hanging around with, there may be cause for concern.”

When asked what the best course of action is for parents hoping to influence their teen to make better choices, Ms Archambault insisted that communication is the key. “Get involved in their life by demonstrating interest and asking questions. It's important to have an open door to ensure your child feels comfortable talking to you about anything that happens to be on their mind."

Ms Archambault advised that if you do suspect your child of drug abuse, to seek an intervention counselor to determine the extent of the problem and the best course of action to embrace. That includes rehab centers such as the Pavillion du Nouveau Point de Vue which has a program specially geared towards teens; the program features a peaceful environment to detox and a 12-step program designed to improve their coping skills.”

The Pavillion du Nouveau Point de Vue is located at 356 Notre Dame, in Lanoraie. www.nouveaupointdevue.com