How To Help A Teen Using PEDs

What should you do if you suspect a teen you know or your child is using PEDs? Most importantly, you shouldn’t ignore it. You might be the only person the teen can rely on for help.

Even if you’re not the teen’s parent, you are a big influence in their life and can play a role in helping them get the necessary help to stop endangering their health and make smart decisions.

The most important thing to remember is to let the teen know that you care. You might be angry, but listen non-judgmentally to what the teen has to say about their use of PEDs as well as why they are using PEDs. Reassure them that you care and that you want to help.

If you need additional help, turn to community resources such as school counselors, family doctors and medical professionals, and community anti-drug programs and health centers.

It’s a good idea to have a medical or mental health care professional involved with a teen who wants to quit using PEDs, especially steroids. Many teens that stop using steroids experience severe depression and suicidal thoughts. A medical or mental health care professional can help teens work through these feelings safely and win back their sense of well-being.

Need more advice and information? Visit www.theantidrug.com and view the brochure "When It's Not Your Kid — How Do You Deal With Drug Use and Drinking?" (PDF).

Other resources:

• National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) -- www.nida.nih.gov
• National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign -- www.theantidrug.com
• Mayo Clinic – www.mayoclinic.com
• Office of National Drug Control Policy -- www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov/prevent/sports/index.html

Sources:
Helping a Kid Who’s Not Your Own. National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign. www.theantidrug.com/ei/advice_influencers.asp
National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign -- www.theantidrug.com
Teen athletes and performance-enhancing substances: What parents can do. Mayo Clinic. www.mayoclinic.com