Reasons for Teenage Drug Use

According to current statistics released by the United States Department of Health and Human Services, “In the United States in 2011, there were an estimated 25.1 million adolescents aged 12 to 17. In the past year, more than one quarter of adolescents drank alcohol, approximately one fifth used an illicit drug, and almost one eighth smoked cigarettes” ("A Day in the Life of American Adolescents," 2013, para. 1). Substance abuse is major problem amongst adolescents. Some are experimenting, but some adolescents may become dependent on a particular substance. If one becomes dependent on a substance as an adolescent it could be detrimental to their future health and success as an adult. Spear (2003) stated in an article titled Alcohol’s

The existence of a myriad of social problems among teenagers that both parents and states have to deal with is a factor whose weight ought not to be treated lightly. The increasing level of drug use among the adolescents constitutes one of the ever increasing situations in the society and may, as a matter of fact, be a representation other underlying issues. The level of the situation in the contemporary world, though not discussed as much as it ought to be, has reached alarming levels. There seems to be an increasing predisposition among the use to take the drugs as it's reflected in the escalating trends of drug abuse among this generation of individuals (spooner, 1999). The ever deteriorating levels of this situation coupled with the widespread permissiveness in the society and the absence of attention from appropriate caregivers at different institutions only means that the need to address the problem is paramount. Different avenues of solutions can be applied in reducing the level of the problem and averting the massive negative consequences that come with the phenomena. Dealing with this issue is not a matter of instance as the different parameters of the problems, its causes and possible workable solutions have to be discovered. As such, research on these dynamics is a mandatory undertaking.

Educating the public about the high rates of substance abuse in wealthy communities is important as data shows the relationship between adolescents’ socioeconomic status and risk of alcohol or drug abuse. Also, providing adequate resources to families with a history of substance abuse is another way to prevent teens from nurturing the same behaviors. Implementing more policies that regulate alcohol and drug advertising is critical as these industries focus on targeting the youth to make them lifelong consumers. Efforts to combat substance abuse among adolescents continues to be a national health issue but with the appropriate services, it can be

“Since 1992, the high rate of illicit drug use among youth has been steadily increasing” (Juvenile Justice, 1997). This has become a trend that needs to be put to a stop. There are too many youth that are involved in criminal activity and that are labeled actual juvenile delinquents in the criminal justice system. Researchers can’t help to believe that alcohol and substance abuse has something to do with the emerging problem. “Drug and alcohol use also increases the likelihood that a youthful offender will have prolonged interaction with the juvenile justice system” (Reclaiming Futures, 2012); this is a fact. Many juveniles who participate in substance abuse usually affect their loved ones and friends.

In the article, “Risk and Protective Factors for Alcohol and Other Drug Problems in Adolescence and Early Adulthood: Implications for substance Abuse Prevention “(1992) authors, Hawkins, Catalano, and Miller, discuss the implications which can lead to drug use and abuse. The authors suggest that “abuse of alcohol and other drugs during adolescence and early adulthood remains a serious public health problem” (p.64). Drug use is noted as being seriously harmful, able to easily to become addicted to, as well as it can be toxic to those around, including family members. As suggested by the article, “certain characteristics of individuals and of their personal environments are associated with a greater risk of adolescent drug use” (p.81). The

According to teendrugrehabs.com, over 60 percent of teens have reported that drugs of some kind are kept, sold, and used at their school. Over 23 million people over the age of 12 are addicted to alcohol or some other drug. One significant issue, among many, that our nation faces is the abuse of drugs and alcohol among our youth. This is a problem for all age groups, but every day more and more people under the age of 18 are experimenting with drugs to “fit in” with the crowd.

Risky sexual and reproductive behavior associated with teen pregnancy often leads to disadvantage personal and social conditions. Research suggests that health education, contraceptive use, access to health care and outreach programs are effective in improving health conditions and reducing risky behavior. Omissions in the research on sexual behavior other than intercourse are highlighted. Possible biological, social, and social cognitive processes underlying teenage sexual behavior are then considered. Next, demographic trends in the use of contraceptives and antecedents of regular birth control use are reviewed. Finally, some of the successful program initiatives directed toward altering sexual and contraceptive practices are discussed, keeping

The aims of this investigation is to identify why teenagers are addicted to drugs and how dangerous they are and different opinion on them and to find out what helps and advice that can be given to young people.

Every town in the world, whether small or large, contains different problems that need attention. In the United States, some states experience the issue of teenage substance use, which leads to cities experiencing the problem as well. If teenage substance use does not receive the proper attention it could harm teenager’s health, families, friends, and possibly harm innocent people in the community. In my hometown of Hardinsburg, Kentucky teenagers who use different substances can damage their families, their friends, and innocent people. Luckily, people in my community strive to end teenage marijuana use. People like city and county police, social worker, principals, and our local coalition for change. Substance use among teenagers in Breckinridge

Teenagers living in rural communities are more susceptible to drug and alcohol abuse than their urban counterparts. Although it may seem that living in a less populated area would present teens with less opportunity for trouble, the lack of stimulation creates an atmosphere conducive to substance abuse. PsychologyToday.com has listed boredom among the top reasons that teens get themselves into trouble (Lohmann, 2010). Public programs and activities provide a healthy outlet for these potentially troubled teens and are a necessary facet of any environment. There is a direct correlation between lack of community supported recreation and teen drug abuse; by developing an array of activities and support systems in rural areas it is possible to decrease the likelihood that adolescents will use substances, unfortunately introducing programs into rural areas comes with many challenges.

Ronald D. Williams is with the Department of Food Science, Nutrition, and Health Promotion and deals with how well informed people are when it comes to drugs. With this full coverage on all aspects these men have found that, “The 2009 NSDUH revealed that approximately 21.8 million Americans aged twelve or older have used illicit drugs in the past month…” 21.8 million teenagers openly admitted to using drugs. This trio later goes on to support the facts that, “... rural areas across the United States are experiencing these issues to a greater degree.” This information often poses questions as to why teens in rural areas are impacted most. Funding cuts may be to blame. With programs not being funded, education is not being administered and teenagers are not

Teenage brains are flooded with orders and rules from every direction, whether it is from peers, parents, or teachers. Often times, the more that someone is pushed and forced in one direction, they will go the other in defiance. This is never more present than in the teenage years: where emotions and hormones are coursing through bodies at an all time high. When the pressure or influence becomes too much, some teens turn to drugs and alcohol. Laws are then broken and the government must put into place a system to fairly judge the juvenile crime. However, making it illegal does not stop minors from accessing and using drugs. By understanding the consequences and addictions drugs bring, discovering the accessibility of drugs to the youth, and

Today, society’s approach towards the topic allows teenagers to be sexually active without rebut or disapproval. Teenage pregnancy has become a grand concern in the United States. However, the discussion is for the state of New Mexico and its shocking ranks and statistics. Because of the increasing large rate of teen pregnancy throughout New Mexico, the NM Department of Health and Department of Education must collide to inform all teenagers, parents and communities about the struggles and consequences of an unintended pregnancy in a Teen Pregnancy Prevention Day. Many of the young couple or teens all participate without consciously thinking of the consequences. Also, they do not consider how it may affect the community, economy, society or

The terrifying level according to which drug misuse has turned into a part of daily life for hundreds of thousands of youngsters has been a topic of interest among many scholars. Many youths often begin familiarizing with drugs at an age as early as 11 years. By the age of 16, almost one in ten boys is habitually engaging in drugs, comprising heroin and cocaine with the figures for girls nearly as high, rendering to a ground-breaking research. The study "Typology of Club Drug Use Among Young Adults Recruited Using Time–Space Sampling. Drug And Alcohol Dependence" analyzed trends of recent club drug uses among 400 young adults between 18-29 years. Club drugs are frequently associated with rave and club

Drugs misuse by young people is apparent in our society today as much as it was in the past. The broadening problem of drugs being easily available is something that is becoming a serious issue and must be addressed. This essay aims to explore the factors why young people are abusing drugs, the kind of illicit narcotics that are becoming increasingly popular and the environmental causes of drug abuse.