Página 45 - Teacher’s book - ENGLISH FOR HEALTH-CARE PROVIDERS

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Teacher’s book
The average teen begins drinking regularly just before turning sixteen, around the time
they get their learner’s permit and driver’s license. Drinking or using drugs before the age
of fifteen triples their risk of becoming addicts.
Consider this sobering stat: right now, three millions teenagers in the U.S. are alcoholics;
and that’s just one substance. Teens today have greater access to a lot more drugs than
ever before; and many of them can be found right inside your house.
High school and college students have been known to abuse ADHD drugs like Ritalin to
help them study or control their appetite. They might try steroids to help them bulk up. Or
they snag their parents’ prescription painkillers from the medicine cabinet because they’ve
heard you can get high off of them. Teens’ brains are not yet fully developed. “Pot”, alco-
hol, and other drugs can impair brain development and lead to permanent changes in the
teenage brain. Taking drugs at any age can lead to addiction. But teenagers are at even
greater risk. The younger you are when you start using drugs, the greater your chances of
developing a dependency.
Parents need to stay involved in their kids’ life, and let them know early on about the dan-
gers of drug use. Providing your teen with a stable home environment and a close, loving
relationship is the best thing you can do to prevent alcohol and drug abuse.
Establishing rules and boundaries as a key part of that. Even if they don’t like it, kids need
to know what is expected of them and what is acceptable behaviour.
Peer pressure can also play a big role in substance abuse. Whether a teenager is a misfit
or runs with a popular crowd having a low self-esteem and feeling like they don’t fit in can
make them try things in order to look cool. If all of their friends are doing it, there’s a good
chance that they will do it, too. That’s why it’s imperative for parents to keep the lines of
communication open.
Common signs of alcohol or drug abuse in teens include: withdrawing from family and
friends, doing poorly in school, discipline problems, anger, and hostility. If you suspect that
your teen is using any illegal substances, even if he or she is just experimenting, talk to them
immediately. If their behaviour continues or worsens, seek professional help. Remember:
the sooner you can get them help, the better their chances of kicking an addiction.
Note:
ADHD: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Pot: (Slang) Cannabis used as a drug in any form, such as leaves (marijuana or hemp) or
resin (hashish).
Unit 3. Sports injuries: How to avoid a sport injury
Lisa: I’m Lisa Birnbach for howdini.com. You love to play sports but your always worried
that you’re going to get in some kind of injury, and often you do. With me to talk about men
and sports-related accidents is Dr. Brent Ridge, Mount Sinai Hospital. Hi!