Teenage Drug Abuse
Teenage drug abuse exists in the
United States and worldwide. Over the years millions
of dollars have been poured into prevention and treatment
services, and even though the problem has not been solved
yet, you do have some control over teenage drug abuse
in your own home. Adolescence is a pressure-filled time
for teens and for many, experimentation with drugs is
thought to be part of growing up.
When teenagers begin to experiment
with drugs at an early age they are at a higher risk
for teenage drug abuse and problems associated with
drugs and alcohol later in their lives. Early adolescent
tobacco use is also an indication of later drug use
and abuse. Because teenagers are still young and more
often than not fully dependent on their parents for
support, they do not see the consequences of the actions
they are taking in concern to drugs. Some teenagers
are able to experiment with drugs and never experience
the pain and agony of teenage drug abuse either because
they had a bad incident on drugs or because they never
got addicted.
Some teenagers are also at a higher
risk for teenage drug abuse depending upon their family
history. People with a history of drug and alcohol abuse
in their families can often pass down the traits for
addiction to their children. Children, who are depressed,
have low self-esteem or feel like outsiders are also
prone to drug use and teenage drug abuse.
Teenagers experiment with a number
of different illegal substances usually starting with
tobacco, alcohol and marijuana. Young people and their
friends are often on prescription medication such as
Ritalin and get high off popping or snorting these pills.
Club drugs, drugs often found at "rave" parties
and dance clubs, have also grown in popularity over
the years, making ecstasy and methamphetamines commonly
used among teenagers.
Parents can look out for the warning
signs of teenage drug abuse. Usually drug abuse will
be noticeable in the following areas: physical, emotional,
family, school and friends. Physical signs will include
persistent health problems that have never been a problem
before, red eyes, and excessive amounts of sleep. Emotional
problems include depression, mood swings, disinterest
in life and changes in personality. Family and school
problems are often associated with disobeying authority,
ditching classes, coming home late or not being responsible
for household activities, and becoming distant both
in class and at home. Teens involved in teenage drug
abuse will also have a host of new friends that are
more interesting in using drugs and alcohol.
Parents have many options in concern
to what they do with their child. Teenagers do not realize
the consequences their teenage drug abuse is having
on themselves or others and are not interested in quitting.
Because they cannot see the problems, they do not have
the willingness to seek treatment or be in recovery.
Consultation, intervention and treatment
services are all available. Through these types of programs
families are able to find a placement for their child
that best fits what each individual family needs. Teenage
drug abuse can ruin lives and healthy families because
it has respect for nothing. If you or someone you love
is having problems with teenage drug abuse there is
help waiting. At Treatment Referral we offer individualized
program referrals involving both the drug abuser and
the family.
Please call us with questions or concerns.
We are here to help. 800.399.3612
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