Teen Drug And Alcohol AbuseTeen drug and alcohol abuse is a growing health concern for young people and can hold grave consequences for us all. The statistics from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on teen drug and alcohol abuse are staggering. A survey recently conducted among high school youth reveled that approximately 10 % of students interviewed smoked cigarettes on a regular basis. Cigarette smoking is harmful to anyone and studies have shown that a young person who smokes for a year only has about a 20% chance to not continue the habit. Also revealed in the survey was that only 25% of high school age youth did not drink. That leaves 75% that do and almost 30% of those teens had been severely intoxicated in the 5 days prior to the survey. It has been shown in studies that teens that start drinking before the age of 15 are 20 times more likely to develop alcoholism. Teen drug abuse of marijuana (bud, weed) was shown, during the same survey, to be approximately 40% of the youth interviewed along with Cocaine use being around 9%. The use of marijuana can lead to anxiety and depression issues and can enhance the mood swings of an already struggling teen. Cocaine (snow, blow) use can have detrimental effects on blood pressure and heart rate and cause irregular heart rhythms and lead to death. Disturbingly the statistics on teen drug and alcohol abuse also show that the use of 'hard drugs' such as methamphetamine (meth, glass, 'G'), heroin (white, 'H') and LSD or hallucinogens (acid, sherm, shrooms') is also occurring. These drugs are highly addictive and cause major changes in a young persons developing brain. Teen drug abuse today also includes inhalants and this is called 'huffing'. The substances that are used are gasoline, spray paint and paint thinner. The group found to be most often abusing these substances is youth in the age group of junior high as these substances are much easier to come by for someone younger. The inhalants are quite dangerous and can cause permanent brain damage and leave a youth in a vegetative state. So called 'club drugs' such as 'Ecstasy' ('E', 'X'), prescription drugs such as codeine and over the counter medications such as Robitussin (robo trippin) are also being abused by teens. There are overdose situations occurring everyday from all of these substances in this age group. Teen drug and alcohol abuse is a serious issue today and needs to be addressed that way. Parents need to pay attention and watch for signs and symptoms of alcohol or drug abuse in teens as well as any adult who interacts with youth. When a teen is showing these signs and symptoms, the best way to foster recovery is early intervention. |