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The Role Of Parenting Styles In The Rising Incidence Of Substance Abuse

Updated: Oct 4

By Aadya Raikar



Substance abuse is a social issue that refers to the excessive use of drugs and alcohol in a way that is detrimental to self, society, or both. It has brought about the downfall of many generations but what is extremely disturbing is the increasing incidence of substance abuse in pre-teens and early teens. In a recent situation, a reputed Mumbai school found vapes in the bags of their thirteen-year-old high schoolers. The reactions from society range from shock to indifference and there has been much debate about the degeneration of future societies. The main question was who is to blame? Is it the teachers, the parents or the children themselves? Not one soul agreed to be the cause of the problem. The parents and teachers appeared to hold differing views on the level of supervision provided. There were instances where parents suggested concerns about teacher supervision, while teachers occasionally mentioned variations in parenting styles, ranging from strictness to leniency. It seemed that some parents might not have fully realized the potential impact of their parenting approaches on their children's behaviour, which could sometimes manifest as rebellious tendencies or questionable actions. 

Psychological studies group parents into 4 distance types : Permissive, Authoritative, Neglectful and Authoritarian. However, for this presentation, I will only be focusing on two extreme ends of the spectrum Permissive and Authoritarian parenting. 

To understand this better I would like to present this case study done recently to see the relationship between parenting styles and substance abuse 

Alex is 13 years old, smart famous and the son of 2 very permissive parents. They have a unique approach to parenting, giving him the freedom to navigate life with minimal constraints. He is allowed to stay up till 3 a.m., is given unlimited pocket money and is envied by his fellow peers who wish to have parents like him. This is because Alex's parents believe that by fostering his independence, he would learn responsibility on his own. One would wonder how such a parenting style would lead to substance abuse. 

Well, Alex is young and immature. He did not set his boundaries and mingled with a fresh circle of friends, who introduced him to the world of alcohol and drugs. His parents' open-mindedness inadvertently empowered him to experiment without fearing consequences. They trusted him and did not pry into his activities or closely monitor his choices. 

Over time, Alex's curiosity evolved into a deeper involvement with substances, driven by his yearning for acceptance among his peers. The absence of parental intervention made it all the more effortless for him to tread further without comprehending the impending dangers. 

Lacking a firm foundation of guidance and parental presence, Alex's experimentation snowballed into a hazardous dependence. Substances became his refuge in coping with emotional upheavals, leading to a downward spiral affecting his academic performance, relationships, and well-being.

This case illuminates how permissive parenting, while rooted in good intentions, inadvertently permitted Alex's trajectory into substance abuse due to the absence of boundaries and parental involvement. 

On the flip side, Emily, a 16-year-old with a strong spirit, faced the challenges of having parents who adhered to an authoritarian parenting style. Marked by unwavering strictness and an insistence on unwavering obedience, her parents allowed her little room for self-discovery or independence. Their stringent rules and harsh consequences for the smallest perceived mistakes stifled any chance for open dialogue or mutual understanding. 

Amid the weight of these repressive parental demands, Emily wrestled with a sense of confinement. Her attempts to communicate her feelings or thoughts often ended in fear of her parents' reactions. This suffocating atmosphere impelled her to find solace beyond her home's confines. 

Beyond the gaze of her parents, Emily found companionship with a group of rebellious friends who embraced risky behaviours, including dabbling in substances. She discovered in these substances a fleeting respite from the expectations and restraints imposed by her authoritarian upbringing. 

As her resentment towards her parents mounted, so did Emily's reliance on substances. It became a way for her to assert some semblance of autonomy over her life, however fleeting. The unyielding nature of her parents' approach, coupled with their emotional detachment, intensified her feelings of isolation and misunderstanding, propelling her deeper into substance use as a coping mechanism. 

As time elapsed, Emily's experimentation evolved into a more concerning pattern of substance abuse. This trajectory detrimentally affected her personal relationships and academic achievements. All the while, her parents, oblivious to her inner struggles, remained committed to their authoritarian stance, unaware of the emotional turbulence their parenting choices inflicted. 

In this personalised illustration, the backdrop of authoritarian parenting sculpted an environment in which Emily felt emotionally distanced and restricted. The narrative underscores the potential for more nurturing and empathetic parenting to cultivate open lines of communication and healthier avenues for coping with life's challenges. 

Both Alex and Emily failed to realise the long-term consequences caused due to substance abuse. 

1. Health issues: Long-term abuse of drugs or alcohol can severely damage the body and may result in physical and mental health problems.

2. Addiction: Substance abuse can lead to addiction, where a person becomes dependent on the substance and finds it challenging to stop using despite adverse consequences. 

3. Impaired judgement: Substance abuse can impair decision-making, leading to risky behaviours and accidents. 

4. Legal problems: Drug and alcohol abuse can lead to legal issues, such as arrests for possession or driving under the influence. 

5. Relationship problems: Substance abuse can strain personal relationships, leading to conflicts and isolation from friends and family. 

6. Financial difficulties: The cost of obtaining drugs or alcohol can put a significant strain on a person's finances and may lead to debt or financial instability. 

7. Academic or work performance decline: Substance abuse can negatively impact a person's ability to perform well in school or work. 

8. Mental health issues: Substance abuse can exacerbate existing mental health conditions or lead to the development of new ones. 

9. Risk of overdose: Substance abuse increases the risk of overdosing, which can be life-threatening. 

10. Social stigma: Individuals struggling with substance abuse may face societal judgement and stigma, making it harder for them to seek help. 

In conclusion, I would like to say that parents must strike a balance between discipline and support, providing guidance, clear expectations, and open communication to foster a healthy understanding of the risks associated with substance abuse. By actively engaging in their child's life and providing a supportive environment, parents can significantly reduce the likelihood of their child succumbing to substance abuse.


By Aadya Raikar





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2 Comments


It can be very dangerous and I'm glad someone has someone has brought this in the light. Keep up the passion on you're meaningful and powerful articles

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sraikar
Jun 15

This is an incredibly insightful and well-researched post, Aadya. Your detailed analysis and suggestions provide valuable guidance for parents aiming to prevent substance abuse. Thank you for addressing this critical issue with such depth and clarity.

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