Youth Substance Abuse Is A Serious ProblemToday's world is high pressure, fast moving and geared towards instant gratification. Adults have a difficult time functioning in this type of environment, so you can just imagine what it does to our youth. Youth substance abuse is occurring at an alarming rate and having a real impact on society. Youth substance abuse is also occurring at ages much younger than in previous years. A recent study conducted by The National Survey on Drug Use and Health shows that slightly more than half of Americans aged 12 or older reported being current drinkers of alcohol in the 2005 survey. 22.7 % of persons aged 12 or older participated in binge drinking at least once in the 30 days prior to the survey in 2005. In 2005, heavy drinking was reported by 6.6 % of the population aged 12 or older. Note that this study includes 12 year olds. This is very concerning, as the youth abusing alcohol will more than likely go on to abuse other substances and continue this into adult life if the problem is not addressed. The numbers for youth substance abuse and methamphetamines has increased dramatically over the last few years. Children as young as 10 years of age have been found to be abusing this torturous drug. This has become a serious problem among our youth. Methamphetamines are highly addictive and once used can increase youth substance abuse. People who abuse this drug develop an ever increasing tolerance and consequently need more and more to attain the 'high'. This leads to an increase in criminal activity in young people as when addiction comes in to play, they will do whatever is necessary to maintain their addiction. This has serious consequences for society as a whole. Youth substance abuse does not stop at just alcohol or methamphetamines. Young people are abusing things including cough medicine (Robo tripping), 'huffing gas', marijuana, huffing paint and glue, 'Triple C" (coricidin, cold medicine, and cough medicine), tobacco, cocaine and heroin. Young people are experimenting with more harmful, more addictive substances than in previous years. Youth substance abuse needs early intervention in order to effect any real change. Substance abuse education is vital in schools and at home. There is a saying that "parents are the anti-drug". Talk to your children about peer pressure and what to do if the opportunity is presented to them to try drugs or alcohol. Also, parents, the example you set can help to determine which path your child will take. If you know a youth or have a child that is showing the signs of substance abuse, don't wait, and get professional help now. Many people believe that youth substance abuse is not their problem. They mistakenly believe that youth substance abuse belongs to those that have children, come from a different neighborhood or have a different income. They are wrong. Youth substance abuse happens everywhere and can be taking place right next door to you. The impact on society is staggering as the youth abusing substances now will someday be the leaders of our society. This is everyone's problem. The old adage "It takes a village to raise a child" is true. |