June Contreras: Better support systems would help keep teens safe
Re: “Report: Teen tobacco use high” (Page A1, Nov. 17): The article should be a wake-up call to all of our communities as this is an early warning sign that our children and families are in trouble and that strong systems are woefully lacking.
Support systems to help adolescents and their families strengthen their resiliency through this vital stage are vital and might prove to be effective in preventing adolescents from experimenting with tobacco, alcohol and drugs and from engaging in high-risk behaviors such as sexual promiscuity. These high-risk behaviors can culminate in teen pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases and eating disorders and lead to obesity and self-harming behaviors.
The growing body of research stemming from the Adverse Childhood Experience has found there are strong links between increased amounts of adverse childhood experiences and not only tobacco usage but other substance use as well. Many such behaviors are known to contribute to chronic health conditions and diseases that are now among the leading causes of death for adults, including diseases of the heart, lungs and liver.
Certainly flavoring tobacco and alcohols products makes these substances more palatable and may lead to increased experimentation. But we should ask: Why?
June Contreras, A.A.T., Psychology, Merced
This story was originally published November 18, 2014 at 6:56 PM with the headline "June Contreras: Better support systems would help keep teens safe."