subject: How To Aid Teens Avoid Alcohol And Drug Addiction [print this page] Teens have fresh and young minds which should be filled with more information to save themselves from drug and alcohol abuse. They should be made aware of the effects of this abuse to their lives so they'll be guided.
Teens tend to experiment on many things and affirm independence. In their growing years, they would want to follow the habits of their parents, try activities that their close friends have tried and come up with an identity of their own. In this combination, alcohol and drug abuse is often involved.
Young Years for Experimentation
Teenagers use prescription drugs, alcohol or club drugs during their teenage years. About 70 percent of high school students have consumed alcohol with their friends. Young adults utilize or abuse substances due to some factors. These could include pressure from peers, curiosity, acceptance, boredom, defiance, risk-taking behaviors, freedom, thrill-seeking activities, and satisfaction.
For first time users, it can be a real fun to take an alcohol or use drug; however, they will display behavioral changes because they eventually get addicted to the substances. This condition will require substance abuse for intervention and treatment. Most teenagers who are into substance abuse will not recognize the long-term effect of their condition to themselves, their loved ones and the society.
Health Effects of Drug and Alcohol Addiction
The body and mind can be more stressed when a teenager abuses alcohol and drugs. As the brain and body are still developing in the teenage years, a teen can suffer from slight impairments even for a single bottle of beer. But he can experience more detrimental effects like loss of memory and poor coordination when he abuses alcohol or drugs. The health effects of drug and alcohol abuse may also include hallucinations, depressive disorders, mood swings, paranoia, irritability, suicide, automobile crashes, and homicide.
Substance Abuse and Criminal Offenses
When teenagers are under the influence of alcohol or drugs, some of them may begin to steal or harm other individuals so they can have an access to the substance. The worst result is when they choose to leave their house, assault people or commit homicide to experience the high feeling again and avoid the pain of withdrawal symptoms.
Drug and alcohol abuse can damage the lives of teenagers who are supposed to enjoy their developing years. While there are available drug treatment centers to seek assistance from, it is advisable to help teens avoid substance abuse.
