Health -
Drugs
Common Drugs That Teens Use
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, alcohol and tobacco are the two most common substances teens abuse. Marijuana is also commonly abused by teenagers. After these top three substances, the popularity or most frequently used drugs differ based on age group.
Younger adolescents are more likely to inhale substances such as household cleaners or glues. Older adolescents report more use of synthetic marijuana, commonly called K2 or Spice. Older teens also commonly abuse prescription medications, including opioids (Vicodin) and stimulants (Adderall).
Drug Use Statistic in Teens
Data published by the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics reports that at least one in every eight teenagers abused an illicit substance within the past year. From 2016 to 2020, substance use among eighth-graders increased 61%. By the twelfth grade, 62% of teenagers had abused alcohol.
Data demonstrated that 50% of teenagers reported misusing a drug at least once in their lifetime. Moreover, “86% of teenagers know someone who smokes, drinks, or uses drugs during the school day.”2 Teen drug abuse is an incredibly frightening public health issue that we must address. Education and awareness are vital in preventing drug and alcohol misuse.
Causes of Teens Using Drugs
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, these are the five main reasons why teens and adolescents experiment with drugs and alcohol:
- To fit in (peer pressure, social acceptance)
- To feel good (activate pleasure pathways in the brain)
- To feel better (stress, mental health, physical pain)
- To do better (enhance athletic or academic performance)
- To experiment (thrill-seeking, new experiences)
What Are The Signs of Drug Abuse in Teens?
Signs of drug abuse in teens can include shifts in mood, personality changes, behavioral cues, changes in hygiene or appearance, and physical health signs. Parents must not overlook warning signs as typical teenage behavior, and open and honest communication is paramount
Behavioral Signs
Behavioral signs of drug abuse in teens include:
- Changed relationships (friends and family)
- Loss of interest in hobbies
- Poor attendance at work or school
- Locked doors
- Secretive behavior
- Periods of high energy followed by extended periods of sleep
If parents are concerned and notice changes in behavior, it is essential to communicate with the teen and seek professional guidance.
Physical Signs
Physical health cues to keep an eye on when screening for drug abuse include:
- Frequent illness
- Slurred or rapid speech
- Nosebleeds or runny nose
- Unexpected weight loss
- Skin bruising
- Vomiting
- Exhaustion
Risks of Drug Use
Teen drug use poses many risks for adolescents regarding academic challenges, physical and mental health problems, poor social relationships, and legal involvement. Teen substance use can also result in consequences for the youth’s family, community, and society.
Effects of Drugs on The Developing Brain
Neurological development and severe mental health problems can result from teen substance abuse. Mental health challenges can include depression, developmental delays, anxiety, personality disorders, and suicidal ideation. Research has shown that marijuana use can be detrimental to a teen’s short-term memory, learning abilities, and psychomotor skills.
Effects of Drug Use On The Body
Drug misuse by teens significantly increases their risk of death from illness, accidents, homicide, or suicide. Teen substance abuse can lead to risky behaviors such as driving under the influence or unsafe sexual practices.
Effects on Social Life
Teen drug use is detrimental in terms of social acceptance and interaction with peers. It is common for substance-abusing youth to disengage from clubs, sports, and activities at school. Lack of engagement can then lead to social alienation and stigmatization by peers.
Effects on Academics
Lower grades, poor attendance, and an increased likelihood of dropout before graduation are all associated with teen substance abuse. The physical and behavioral health effects of teen drug misuse can be an obstacle to academic success.
How To Prevent Teens From Using Drugs?
Family Support
Teens need a solid support system to help them resist peer pressure. Families must have open discussions and set boundaries about teen drug use and alcohol consumption
Medical Help
If a parent identifies possible signs of teen drug use, the next step is to consult with the teen’s primary care provider, school social worker, or a drug rehab facility. Addiction and substance use can escalate quickly.
Inpatient drug rehabs and outpatient drug rehabs can provide treatment for substance use and co-occurring mental health. For adolescents actively using drugs or alcohol, drug addiction detox may be medically necessary too. A comprehensive assessment is the best way to identify what behavioral health treatment a teen needs.
Opioid abuse
Opioid abuse is considered a national public health emergency.
- Overdose deaths due to opioids have increased 500% among 15- to 24-year-olds since 1999.
- In the 21st Century, opioid-related OD deaths among this age group increased by as much as 30.7% annually.
Marijuana Abuse
Marijuana is one of the most commonly used illicit substances among youth.
Reference: https://drugabusestatistics.org/
If you are using cannabis, there are a number of serious risks. Cannabis can:
- Increase the chance of you taking risks that you wouldn’t normally take
- Lead to a criminal record if you’re found to have cannabis on you by the police
- Cause Drug-Induced Psychosis, where you are unable to tell the difference between reality and your thoughts
- Exaggerate symptoms of existing mental health problems you may already have and increase your risk of developing these, like depression or paranoia
- Lead to long term health problems in later life
- Lead to you being exploited
This drug can also make you feel very tired. By draining your energy, you’ll find simple tasks like getting out of bed much more difficult.
Taking cannabis in any form can make you feel:
- As if colours are brighter and sounds are sharper
- Sick or dizzy
- Anxious or paranoid
- Very hungry
- Very relaxed
- Happy and get the giggles
- As if time is moving very slowly
