|  | Conditions Treatments | Drug Addiction

Youth & Drug Abuse

Many reasons are often cited by youth for why they engage in drug use and abuse: boredom, depression, non-acceptance by peers and major life changes--such as parental divorce--just to name a few. Drugs abused by youth include hallucinogens, depressants, stimulants, narcotics and inhalants. To combat teenage drug abuse, parents and educators must stay on top of what drugs are "hot" and how best to prevent serious problems from occurring.

  1. Types

    • There are several types of drug abuse in which adolescents and teenagers engage. First, some youth abuse illegal drugs such as marijuana, cocaine and methamphetamine as well as phencyclidine (PCP) and lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD). Legal substances that are illegal for youth--such as alcohol and nicotine--are also used and abused. Second, some youth abuse prescription medications such as pain-killing narcotics like Vicodin and Demerol, benzodiazepines such as Valium and Xanax, and stimulants like Ritalin. Third, some youth abuse inhalants and take part in huffing, which is basically inhaling chemical vapors from aerosol cans, gasoline, paint thinners and other volatile insolvents.

    Identification

    • Youth who engage in drug abuse may be skilled in covering up their addiction, but many signs exist that can tip off parents and responsible adults. Physical symptoms of someone who may be involved with drugs include bloodshot eyes, dazed or confused expressions or even blank stares into space. Youth who are abusing drugs may spend an increasing amount of time in their bedroom or away from the house. Parents may also watch for major mood swings as well as changes in eating or sleeping habits.

    Prevalence

    • The 2009 Monitoring the Future (MTF) survey--which is conducted annually by the National Institute on Drug Abuse--indicated that youth attitudes toward substance abuse changed favorably compared with previous years' surveys. The survey showed that past-year use of methamphetamine decreased significantly for all high school grades, and decreases in the binge-use of alcohol was also reported. In addition, the 2009 MTF survey shows that cigarette smoking is at its lowest point in history for students in 8th, 10th and 12th grades. However, marijuana use trends have remained stable according to the survey, with 32 percent of high school seniors reporting past-year use. Non-medical use of prescription medications such as Vicodin and OxyContin have either remained unchanged or increased among students.

    Effects

    • Drug abuse in youth can lead to both detrimental short- and long-term effects. Short-term effects of drug abuse are physiological symptoms such as dis-inhibition, dizziness, rapid breathing, increased heart rate and blood pressure and even changes in mood. Overdosing on any illegal drugs or prescription medications can cause death. Among the most serious consequences of drug abuse--according to the NIDA--is the fatal accidents that occur resulting from behaviors associated with teen drug abuse.

    Prevention/Solution

    • Many treatment programs and drug addictions centers exist to help parents get treatment for their children and to help youth overcome their desire to engage in substance use and abuse. Outpatient drug rehab centers offer treatments such as group therapy and after-school educational programs. Inpatient facilities help treat the most serious of drug abusers. Many junior high and high schools try to combat youth drug abuse problems by making students complete required educational programs and workshops that teach about the harmful effects of drugs.

Drug Addiction - Related Articles