The Impact of Drug Abuse on Youth

According to Alan I. Leshner, Director of the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA), researchers have identified more than 50 factors that put young people at risk for drug abuse. Dr. Leshner divides these factors into two basic "paths to addiction:" young people who use drugs for social acceptance, and those who use drugs because they are suffering and need to escape from their own lives. Whatever the reason, the consequences of drug use are the same.

Physical Risks

• According to Drug Rehab.org, drug abuse can negatively affect every system of the human body.Organ function, circulatory and hormone systems, fertility, and brain chemistry, function and structure are all at risk.

Psychological Risk

• With prolonged use, drugs can cause significant and permanent psychological damage; young drug abusers are at a higher risk for developing mental disorders, like depression and anxiety.

Behavioral Changes

• Serious changes in behavior is a common sign of drug use in young people, including withdrawal from family, a resentful attitude, violence or aggression, risky sexual behavior, and abandoning old friendships.

Poor School Performance

• Drug use has a serious impact on a child's education; typical signs include falling grades, withdrawal from regular school activities, increased absence and dropping out.

Addiction

• According to Teen Drug Abuse.org, the biggest consequence of drug abuse is addiction, which amplifies every other drug-associated consequence; young people typically don't even realize that they have crossed the line to addiction.