Drug Abuse

It is very common for teenagers and young adults to experiment with drugs. Drugs are a way for teens to assert their independence and autonomy, in the same way that teenagers sneaking a cigarette used to be. Adolescence is a time for experimentation as a young adult strives to understand themselves and the world around them. The act of participating in an illegal act binds teens together, and if members of the group are attracted to drugs because they are unhappy, confused, or depressed, that bond is even stronger. Teenagers believe they are indestructible and immune to the typical problems of other users. They are disconnected from the consequences current actions will have on their future. All these factors combine to create an extremely dangerous situation and the possibility of lifelong problems.

The use of alcohol and marijuana increases the probability that teenagers will move on to stronger, more dangerous drugs. Once they’ve experimented, survived, and gotten away undetected, any perceived risk greatly diminishes. The teenage years are naturally an emotional rollercoaster. Between hormones, evolving brain functions, sexuality, and the process of figuring out their identity, teens have a lot to handle — even when they are raised in well-balanced homes with informed parents. Then there are situations and events that increase a teenager’s stress tremendously. Divorce, the death of a relative or friend, problems in school, social awkwardness, and current political issues can add tremendously to the confusion and anxiety teenagers normally feel during the process of growing up. Drugs can become synonymous with a pain reliever, and like any prescription pain pill, they can become physically and emotionally addictive.

There are certain situations where teenagers are particularly susceptible to becoming involved with drugs. These include: Teenagers with a family history of substance abuse or the heavy use of prescription, mood-altering drugs Teenagers who have low self-esteem Teenagers who are depressed or suicidal Teenagers who are anxious or phobic Teenagers who feel isolated from family and peers Teenagers who feel as if they don’t fit in anywhere Teenagers facing adult situations without adequate support Teenagers who are experiencing any kind of emotional and physical abuse, either from friends, acquaintances, peers, or family members Teenagers growing up in families where another family member has a chronic problem or illness

Unfortunately, there is a plethora of easily available ‘recreational’ drugs. These include:

• Alcohol
• Marijuana
• Prescription stimulants such as Ritalin, Adderall, and Dexedrine
• Pain medicine such as OxyContin, Percocet, Percodan, Hydrocodone (including Tylenol with Codeine, Robitussin A-C, and Vicodin), Fentanyl, and morphine
• Inhalants, which involves the dangerous use of sniffing the fumes of common household products to get high. These products include paint thinner, glue, gasoline, Butane, and many other items. Well over a thousand substances have been identified that can be used as inhalants.
• Stimulants, including methamphetamine, cocaine, crack cocaine, and even caffeine stimulants taken in large doses
• Club drugs including (MDMA) Ecstasy or ‘X’, GHB, Rohypnol (Rophies), Ketamine (Special K), and LSD
• Drugs used to relieve anxiety, irritability, and tension, including Valium, Ativan, Halcion, Librium, and Xanax
• Prescription sleeping pills, such as Ambien, Lunesta, and Restoril
• Barbiturates including Amytal, Nembutal, Seconal, Tuanol, and Phenobarbital
• Heroin, which has become popular in high schools and colleges in the form of an inexpensive, high-purity heroin that is sniffed or smoked
• Steroids, which have become popular in junior high schools

Drug abuse often has long-term consequences, including addiction, problems in school, risky behavior, poor judgment, violence, accidents, unsafe sex, and suicide. Becoming educated about current drug abuse is the first step parents need to take to help their teens avoid or overcome this serious problem.

Article written by Jillian Blume

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