Alcohol & Drug Abuse Among Teenagers

Alcohol and drug abuse among teenagers has been a serious problems for many years. Teenagers often succumb to peer pressure and try alcoholic drinks and various types of drugs at a young age. Some of these teenagers will develop long-term addictions and deal with serious complications relating to alcohol and drug use.

Significance

• According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than one-fourth of all teenagers admit to drinking alcohol. Many of these teens also admit to driving while intoxicated or riding with others who drive while intoxicated.

Illegal Drug Use

• Marijuana is the most commonly used illegal drug and is used by approximately 20 percent of all teenagers. Other drugs used by teenagers include cocaine, ecstasy, methamphetamines and hallucinogens.

Prescription Drug Abuse

• Teenagers may believe that using prescription medications is safer than using illegal drugs. They may take pain relievers, stimulants, depressants and tranqualizers in excess.

Warning

• Alcohol is associated with serious and fatal car accidents involving teenagers. Also, the use of both illegal drugs and prescription drugs may lead to serious side effects and possibly even death.

Identification

• Warning signs of alcohol or drug abuse among teenagers include red eyes, glazed over eyes, coughing, fatigue, mood swings, irritability, poor judgement, poor self-esteem, depression, withdrawal and lower than average grades.