Teenage Drug Use

In today’s society, the common problem among teenagers is the use of drugs. Teen age years is probably one of the most challenging periods of life. It is a stage of identity versus confusion – knowing oneself compared to losing oneself. Belonging and being accepted in a group is very important and being cool as well.

During these years of growing up, teenagers encounter their share of positive and negative experiences. Peer pressure, curiosity, and the availability of drugs are factors that some youthful and vulnerable teenagers have to deal with in their adolescent lives.

One of the significant reasons of teenage drug use is peer pressure, particularly from the social influences among friends, acquaintances, school, and the community. Depending on the person’s experiences and choices, circumstances and consequences may vary. If a teenager’s social main group is using drugs, then there may be a strong pressure due to the fact that drugs are present and can easily be offered. Also, the person might get convinced to think that there is nothing wrong with trying drugs because “everybody else is doing it.” In the effect that teenagers will try drugs just to fit in the social norms, they might do it to impress their buddies to be considered “cool” as part of being in the group and gain acceptance by friends.

The issue of using drugs is everywhere in the country and around the world. It’s available and accessible for anyone who knows where to get it or whom to talk to about it. Interest will develop in a matter of time. For instance, if one teenager hears a personal drug experience from another student in the school, the person may become curious and try to have a connection. Most teenagers today would believe that the first use of drugs is safe. Although there is no instant addiction with the first try, young persons can tend to experiment further and in a matter of time, anyone can have the euphoric effects of the drugs and may keep seeking it in order to function adequately. The accessibility of the drugs and the curiosity and experimentation of the person are high risk factors that can result in a drug addiction among teenagers.

Because of the chemical changes in the brain that most drugs can create, as well as environmental influences, one of the most devastating side effects of addiction is depression. Using heavy and very highly addictive drugs such as heroin, cocaine, and opium will cause sudden mood changes and unusual flares of temper from the effects in the brain, deterioration in the immune system, and nervous breakdowns from the changes in the heart rate, and among other side effects. Drug addiction can also change a person’s social life, running into conflicts with family and friends, and resulting in a desire for isolation. This will create more problems, limiting the person’s social support and the burden of financial strain that leads a teen to do anything to obtain money to continue getting drugs.

When things become out of control and a stage of serious hopelessness, problems may seem inescapable, in other words “hitting rock bottom.” According to a previous study, persons who are feeling hopeless and lonely with no prospects for improvement may lead to depression, which can further lead to attempted suicide. Many studies have found that drugs are a contributing factor to suicide because drugs can inhibit or impair judgment; thereby, affecting the brain and a person’s thinking.

In short, the cause of using drugs can have a great effect on the person and in the society. Depression and suicide, mainly from substance abuse, are now the common problems among the younger population.

Teenagers need to be educated about substance abuse, such as drug addiction to create awareness among them and to help them make better choices in their lives. There are many non-profitable organizations that can help teenagers to cope with drug abuse. There are telephone help lines, community services, and individual counseling that can give information and they are available in almost every educational institution. There is help available to anyone who seeks it.