Reasons for and Signs of Teenage Drug Abuse : 1st Rate Articles

1st Rate Articles > Health and Fitness > Reasons for and Signs of Teenage Drug Abuse

Viewing Reasons for and Signs of Teenage Drug Abuse

Reasons for and Signs of Teenage Drug Abuse

By Nate Rodnay

Teenage drug addiction is a severe problem in today's society. Addiction can be physical and/or psychological dependence on a chemical substance. What can parents and teachers do to recognize drug abuse in teenagers - the future of the world?

Teenage drug addiction is a severe problem. A common definition of addiction is, 'The uncontrollable and compulsive use of mind-altering drugs/substances, even though having the knowledge of the fact that such use may cause problems with one's life'. Addiction can be physical and/or psychological dependence on a chemical substance.

The Reasons for Teenage Drug Abuse

Adolescence is an age of trying new things. Most teens are innocent of the consequences of drug abuse when they start consuming for the first time. Some of the reasons for teen drug abuse are:

Teens crave adventure by experimenting with drugs. It is difficult to identify those teens who experiment and stop, and those who end up becoming addicted.

Many kids start using drugs when they see their family members or friends consuming.

They come to know the effects of drug use; it feels good, it reduces stress, it makes them feel 'grown up' (mentally and physically).

Often peer pressure plays a major role. The situation gets out of control when teens start to rely on drugs and think that they need them to escape from problems at school, home, or with friends.

Favorite movie stars use drugs in movies, and popular bands sing songs about them. This has a major impact on teens, as they always want to follow their idols.

The most common reason for drug abuse, either experimentally or habitually, is to experience an immediate euphoric effect. Other common reasons for teenage drug abuse include becoming popular with friends, thinking that people will like them more, complying when someone else wants them to use, making them feel more like adults, and making extra money by selling drugs. Teenagers who are alcoholics are more prone to use drugs compared to non-alcoholics.

The Warning Signs of Teenage Drug Abuse

The warning signs of teen drug abuse are generally classified into five different categories. They are:

Physical: Overly tired or hyperactive, repeated health complaints, red and glazed eyes, strange smell on breathe or body, and a lasting cough.

Emotional: Personality changes, sudden mood changes, irritability, irresponsible behavior, low self-esteem, poor judgment, depression, impassiveness, over-reacting to criticism, acting rebellious.

Family: Verbally or physically abusive, breaks family rules, withdraws from family activities, spends a lot time in his or her room, constant excuses for irrational behavior.

School: Decreased interest in school activities, negative attitude, drop in grades, absenteeism, reduced memory and attention span, and discipline problems.

Social: New friends who are not interested in usual home and school activities, less interest in sports or other extracurricular activities, problems with the law, and gravitating to uncommon styles in dress and music.

The above information and warning signs can help parents and teachers to identify drug-abusing teens in the initial stages, and to halt further addiction.

About the Author:

Rapiddrugdetection.com is an online store offering drug tests and drug screening products in several formats including blood, urine, and oral drug test kits. Rapiddrugdetection.com offers FDA-approved urine drug tests as well as DOT-approved alcohol testing products. Some of the popular products are marijuana drug tests, breathalyzer, and saliva drug tests. Article Source: 1st Rate Articles - http://1stRateArticles.com

Article added 11/15/07, last revised 11/16/07.

Articles - free articles, content, advice & tips for your website or newsletter