Teens, Drug, and Alcohol Use Essay - 593 Words

Teens, Drug, and Alcohol Use There is no simple answer to why a teen might begin using drugs or alcohol. Many times, it is a combination of several things. They may turn to drugs to escape stress or loneliness or to overcome shyness in social situations. They may want to be seen as grown up, or they may simply be curious. Teens often want to be like their role models as well; so, if their favorite music group or a cool friend at school uses drugs or alcohol, they may also use drugs or alcohol to be like them. (Teen Health) Adolescence is often a time of low self-esteem, which can develop as a result of not being able to grow and change as quickly as desired. A young person with low self-esteem may feel they are not as smart,†¦show more content†¦Among 10th graders, Ecstasy use rose from 4.4 percent to 5.4 percent; and among 12th graders, from 5.6 percent to 8.2 percent. (2/3 Teens try drugs) A survey released in 2002 from the Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) at Columbia University indicates that 95 percent of teens that smoke cigarettes start at or before age 15. Ninety three percent of teens that drink alcohol start at or before the age 15. In addition, 86 percent of teens that smoke marijuana start at age 15. (CASA) If a parent suspects that their teen is using they may feel the need to catch them. So, they search their room, or control their activities and friends. Which are normal feelings, after all parents want their kids to be safe. However, it might be more helpful to talk with them and let them know of the changes they have observed and what the cause is. (Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission) Preventing teen drug use is possible; parents and guardians need to learn the warning signs and dangers. They may ask themselves, how can I know if my teen is using? Well, here are some warning signs: Mood swings Personality changes Self-centered Change in dress or friends School problems Being paranoid (Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission)Show MoreRelatedPromoting A Drug Awareness Program For Teens1695 Words   |  7 PagesPromoting a Drug Awareness Program for Teens Teen drug use/abuse is common. According to the U. S. Department of Health Human Services, the most common drugs teens use are alcohol, marijuana, tobacco, and prescription drugs (2016). Other drugs used are inhalants, over-the-counter medications, and other illegal drugs such as cocaine, methamphetamine, and heroin. The use of drugs and alcohol increase the risk of injury or death. According to WebMD, alcohol and drug abuse is a leading causeRead MoreTeenagers, Drugs, And The American Academy Of Child And Adolescent Psychiatry1450 Words   |  6 Pages Teenagers abuse a variety of drugs, both legal and illegal. 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Abusing either one of these substances can lead to the death of you or the death of someone else or even cause a major change in their life like Jacqueline’s story, her whole life has been changed because of another person’s ignorance and carelessness. Therefore, you should know the facts about drug and alcohol abuse before you do something you may regretRead MoreThe Legal Drinking Age Should Be Lowered1170 Words   |  5 Pagesways alcohol has been a reason for death such as, alcohol poisoning or drunk driving. Americans death rate has increased in the past few years for alcohol poisoning in the adolescence stage. Just because the majority of teens consume alcohol underage does not mean the l egal drinking age should be lowered. 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Many times, it is a combination of several factors, including society, family and peers. They may turn to drugs to escape stress or loneliness or to overcome shyness in social situations. They may want to be seen as grown up or as a risk taker. Or, they may simply be curious. Teens often want to be like their role models as well. So, if their favorite music group, older sibling, parents