Alcohol and Cigarette habit

Dear concern teen, I can understand that during the teen age people become curious to try on new things and want to be more independent. I appreciate that you are concern about your parents and feel responsible towards them. Thus, you are willing to know what can be done in this situation.

During the teenager, they seek to identify themselves and explore their abilities. In this process they tent to attempt new things and test themselves. They do things which are restricted and sometimes break rules as well. They often act differently than what is expected of them socially. At some point may try alcohol, cigarettes, and other drugs due to many reasons. Some of reasons are, for one time experience, to relieve stress, due to peer pressure, out of curiosity, to imitate adults, to fit in the group. Also because it feels more like an act of grownups or it’s easily available. We can observe that most teen start using such substances as first time experiment and gradually gets into the habit. Misuse of such substances can have adverse effect on once physical, mental and social well being.

Most of the teenager believes that they are able to control themselves. However, in a mean time they often lose control. Therefore, it is necessary to have self-control mechanism handy to be safe and healthy. There are certain things that teenagers need to strongly say “no” to and misuse use of alcohol and drugs comes under it.  Misuses of such substances not only affect individual but also their families, friends and society at large.

It would be wise on your part to think of the reasons behind using such substances. And further, the distress feeling of hiding it from your parents and worries that is affecting your study. After all it’s about your health, which is important to you and for your parents as well. It is hard to make healthy choice however there definitely is no substitute to sharing to trust worthy adult timely. Seeking for guidance and sharing upon need shows the maturity on your part. Along with this would derive the confidence over your problem solving skill.

I can understand that it is stressful to share openly to your parents. You mentioned that your parents are proud of you and you don’t want to disappoint them. I believe they would understand if you share them properly. Consequently, the trust in the relation strengthens with such initiative. You sound promising in your studies as you are a very good student. You might have goal in your life. Your choice today has an influence upon your goal later.
There are programs and services where the teen could get help and relevant information from. Upon need one can also contact the expert counsellor. There are rehab centers, they have different services which may or may not require a person to stay there.

I am hopeful you would take the positive step forward.

Yours faithfully,
Sabita Shrestha
Psychosocial Cousellor