20 External Assets for Developing a Healthy Teenager Who is Alcohol and Drug Free

“40 percent of those who started drinking at age 13 or younger developed alcohol dependence later in life. Ten percent of teens who began drinking after the age of 17 developed dependence.”

“Teens that drink are 50 times more likely to use cocaine than teens who never consume alcohol.”

As we all know children’s drinking and drugging habits are often determined by their environment at home and at school. If children are happy, have open communication with their parents, have friends, and are involved with in-school and after-school activities, then the chances decrease for them abusing alcohol and drugs. Of course, this still doesn’t guarantee your child will not abuse alcohol and drugs, no guarantee of such can exist. I actively competed year round on a swim team starting in the 3rd grade through high school. During high school, I swam in the morning and the afternoon for long grueling workouts. Sadly, this did not prevent me from using drugs and drinking alcohol regularly as a teenager. My drinking and drugging career resulted in my admission to a rehab facility, in 1988 when I was 25 years old. I am grateful to report I have been alcohol and drug free ever since with life saving help from a 12 Step Program.
I believe parents can have a tremendous influence on whether their children drink or drug. I hope to explain some suggestions that the Search Institute have identified that can contribute to a young person’s healthy development. The Search Institute has offered 40 Developmental Assets (20 External and 20 Internal) as a guide for parents. This article is going to focus on 20 External Assets that can create a positive teenage growth process.
There are four External Assets identified including Support, Empowerment, Boundaries & Expectations and Constructive Use of Time. When a teenager has positive support involving the External Assets, they progress in a healthy direction and develop self-esteem so they do not “give in” to peer pressure. When a teen has self-esteem and strong boundaries, then they do not give in to peer pressure involving alcohol and drug usage.
The first External Asset mentioned is Support. Support includes Family Support where the family provides high levels of love and support. Having Positive Family Communication is also a key. This includes a young person and their parent(s) communicating positively, and the young person is willing to seek advice and counsel from their parent(s). Communication with parents is, but equally significant is the teenager has Other Adult Relationships. A young person should have support from three or more Other Adult Relationships who they trust. It is also vital to have a Caring Neighborhood. This does not mean you have to live in the best area of town, but it means there are neighbors who show interest in the young adult, watch out for them, and are there for them when necessary. The last component of Support incorporates Parent Involvement in Schooling. Unfortunately after teaching inner city high school in Dallas, this is sadly lacking for many teens. I encourage parent(s) to be actively involved in helping their young adult succeed in school. Ask to see the teen’s homework, test scores, talk to their teachers, help with projects, and attend their school activities. Schools are constantly seeking volunteers for dances, open house and field trips…volunteer!
The second External Asset mentioned is Empowerment. Community Values in Youth contributes to empowering a teenager. The young adult see s first hand and believes that adults in the community value teenagers. Using Youth as Resources to get them involved is another pertinent External Asset. Young adults are able to gain confidence in themselves when they are given useful roles in the community. Service to Others as a youth means volunteering for an hour or more a week. Safety is also relevant for teen empowerment. A teenager needs to feel safe at home, school and in the neighborhood.
The third External Asset for a young adult’s healthy development is Boundaries & Expectations. It is very important for a family to establish Family Boundaries. A family needs clear rules and consequences and must monitor the teen’s whereabouts. There are also School Boundaries where the school must also create clear rules and consequences. The neighborhood as a group must develop Neighborhood Boundaries where they take responsibility for monitoring young people’s behavior. Having Adult Role Models in a teen’s life is relevant as well. It is necessary for parent(s) and other adults to provide a positive, responsible role model for the teenagers. Having a Positive Peer Influence in a young person’s life is detrimental. A teenager’s friends should display responsible behavior. Teachers and parents need to work as a team to encourage High Expectations for the young person and encourage them to do well.
The last External Asset for helping young people grow up healthy, caring, responsible and alcohol/drug free is Constructive Use of Time. It is crucial for a teenager to be involved in Creative Activities. Youths should spend three or more hours per week in lessons or practice in music, theater or the arts. Creativity is a way for the teenager to express themselves freely. Youth Programs are also a necessary factor. A young person should spend three or more hours per week in sports, clubs, and organizations at school and/or in the community. Having a Religious Community is also beneficial to a teenager and spending a couple of hours a week in this community has a positive affect on the teen. The young adult should always have Time at Home. Spending time at home with your teenager is indispensable. This opens the communication process, builds trust and allows parent(s) the ability to spend quality time with their teenager.

Statistic References:

“ADASK” Alcoholism and Drug Addiction Statistics, Trends, and Costs. 2004. 30
May 2005 http://www.ni-cor.com/statisticandtrends.html

“Teen Substance Abuse” GDCADA. 9 March 2005. 28 May 2005
http://www.gdcada.org/statistics/teens.htm

Author's Bio: 

Amy “AJ” Crowell has her Masters in Business Administration and is an expert on alcoholism, drug addiction and recovery. She is an amazing motivational speaker and touches the souls of audiences with her enthusiasm and positive upbeat attitude. AJ is the author of an outstanding recovery book and Best Selling New Release called Loved Back to Life where she shares her personal successful experience in the recovery community for the last 22 years.

She has dedicated years to teaching inner city, at-risk high school students about the dangers of addictions. AJ has seen first hand the horrendous damage drugs do to our younger generation, but she also knows with the proper guidance & encouragement teenagers can be lead in a positive direction. She guides people to programs, support groups & the 12 steps so they find the help & hope they need.