Adolescent Drug Abuse and its Effects

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A teenager is likely to experiment with drugs and alcohol, especially during high school. Some teenagers try it and do not like it, others love it. This love for drugs and alcohol becomes a regular activity, and then a teen may become dependent on the drug or drink, and can progress to addiction. These stages of substance abuse affect one's relationships, health and ambitions. Families and friends are devastated when their loved ones resort to drugs and alcohol. Relationships are ruined when someone is addicted to escaping reality by distorting their mind because an addict will steal and lie to get their next high. Parents want to help, but it reaches a point where they cannot tolerate the mischievous behavior any longer. Friends begin to distance themselves, avoiding contact with the person abusing drugs. Whether physical or mental, health is important. When a person ingests drugs or alcohol into their body, their health begins to deteriorate. Physically, a body becomes more prone to infections or viruses. Furthermore, one is more likely to engage in reckless activities that can damage their body. Looking from the psychological aspect of health, a person who uses drugs and alcohol can become dependent, welcoming the intoxication to soothe their trauma. Moreover, an addict begins to surrender their ambitions. One establishes a feeling of comfort in being inebriated. An abuser of drugs or alcohol forgets what is important in life, and stops going to school or work. Instead of spending time doing homework or paying bills, they get high. Long-term goals become nonexistent; the only things that matter are the next time one can cease to feel emotion. There are immeasurable amounts of information on why teenagers abuse dru... ... middle of paper ... ...tute on Drug Abuse, (. (2009). Monitoring the Future: National Results on Adolescent Drug Use. Overview of Key Findings, 2008. National Institute On Drug Abuse (NIDA), National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia, U. (2010). National Survey of American Attitudes on Substance Abuse XV: Teens and Parents. National Center On Addiction And Substance Abuse At Columbia University, Researcher asserts drug abuse is a chronic disease -- primary care role needed in treatment. (2005). DATA: The Brown University Digest of Addiction Theory & Application, 24(2), 3. Department of Education, W. C. (2007). The Challenge. Volume 14, Number 3. US Department of Education. Office of National Drug Control, P. (2010). Back to School: Keeping Our Children Safe, Healthy, and Drug-Free in the New School Season. Fact Sheet. Office of National Drug Control Policy.

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