Posts Tagged teen drug problems

Why Teens Need to Stay Away from Alcohol, Cigarettes and Drugs

Posted by Drug Free in Drug Abuse Prevention, Drug Addiction on December 7th, 2009

The pressures faced by today’s teenager are mounting, and teens have adopted different ways on how to cope with it. Some put all their time and efforts directed on studies. Others join organizations that focus on their skills, like the school choir, the football varsity or the Math club. Still, some find themselves succumbing into the pressure and resort to alcohol, smoking and drugs.

teen addictionTeens must be aware, though, that while it seems difficult to believe at first, there are only a few troubled teenagers who actually choose to drink, smoke or take drugs. Most take the better option – channeling their energies to more responsible and meaningful activities. So, if we take the actual number of kids who make the right choice against the number of those who may have been misled, you are more socially adept if you stay away from alcohol, cigarettes and drugs. To really fit in, you need to be clean, healthy and away from harmful vices.

It is also important to remember that teenage drinking, smoking or drug abuse have certain long-term consequences. A single puff of cigarette, mainly just for experimentation, will already do irreparable damage to your lungs. It would not matter if that would be your last or only the first of the many years of puffing, that single incident has already caused harm to your system. Other teens have also found themselves trapped in difficult situations after an impaired judgment have led them to driving under the influence (which may result to traffic accidents) or to teenage sex (which may result to early pregnancy).

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Why do people take drugs?

Posted by DrugFreeHomes in Drug Addiction, Drug Facts, Drug Rehabilitation on July 29th, 2009

drugs

I  have been dealing with substance abusers for more than fifteen years. I have seen bright young potentials getting lost and wasted under the influence of drugs.

The society has lost some of its human resources that it would have otherwise loved to treasure – doctors, engineers, academicians. Many a time I hear people saying that drug addiction is on the decline.

But I beg to differ from them. It is true that the trend has changed, but the menace of drug addiction still continues to maintain its overpowering nature grasping the young generation under its venomous claws.

“Why did you start taking drugs” – is one of the basic questions that are asked to people having problems with the substance. Interesting enough, a large majority say “Just for fun”. It is true that none of the drug users start using drugs to get hooked to it. Some can manage to stop after having the fun while others fail. They become drug dependents.

Some of the most common factors that lead to drug use are

Curiosity and the urge to experiment – teenagers are always trying to experiment with new things. They are curious to experience the feeling of “high” associated with the use of a drug. This could be the starting point of addiction.

Peer pressure – teenagers always strive to conform to their peer group. Drug abuse in the peer group is a risk factor.

Stress – resulting from problems at school / college, work pressure, strained relationship, financial difficulties.

Frustration and depression resulting from several factors like failed romance, bereavement, marital problems, academic failure.

Mental illness – to overcome depression, anxiety.

Physical conditions like severe pain, insomnia, etc. might lead to abusing prescription drugs.

Loneliness and boredom.

Childhood trauma.

Family history of addiction.

A knowledge of these causative factors will help you in assessing the vulnerability of your child and helping him to stay away from drugs.

Looking forward to your suggestions, tips, and experience!

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