Teenage Drug Abuse Facts

Get In The Know: Teenage Drug Abuse Facts

In today's society, teenage drug abuse is not an uncommon thing, it's just not talked about often. Nonetheless, teenage drug abuse is an ongoing issue in the United States. Teenagers are using drugs just as much as any other age group. This age group is especially known for abusing alcohol, marijuana, and prescription drugs. Some teens will try many drugs, some will only try drugs once and others will use drugs a few times. Others may use drugs to the point that they are unable to control their cravings and urges to use. Some teenagers only use drugs because their friends are doing it and they want to fit in and feel accepted. Other teenagers use drugs as a coping mechanism to help alleviate anxiety and stress. And many teenagers are using prescription drugs to help them "study better" and to "increase their focus" in relation to academics. High school drug use has remained a constant problem in the United States. However, recent reports are claiming that drug use among high school students is starting to decline. high school students. If you have a child or loved one that is a high school student. It is important to educate them on the dangers of drug and what addiction is. Several important teenage drug abuse facts you can share with a teen include:

• 90% of Americans who suffer from a substance abuse problem started using drugs and/or alcohol before the age of 18
• Every year over 5,000 people under the age of 21 die as a result of underage drinking
• More teens are killed by alcohol than any illegal substance
• Using drugs or alcohol as a teen can cause problems with the law
• Drug and alcohol use can affect brain development and cause serious physical and mental health problems
• Teen drug abuse often leads to addiction issues during adulthood
• Drug and alcohol use at a young age can lead to an early, unplanned pregnancy
• Drug and alcohol use increases risk for incurring sexually transmitted infections

To get more teenage drug abuse facts or to learn more about finding your teen treatment centers, call Drug Treatment Centers Fort Lee today at (877) 804-1531.

Drug Related Teenage Deaths and Overdose

Drug related teenage deaths have skyrocketed, especially drug overdose deaths. Across the United States, the drug overdose death rate has more than doubled over the past 10 years among individuals between the ages of 12 and 25. Research has found that many of the drug-related deaths among teens are due to prescription drug use or use of heroin. Many young people who start out abusing prescription drugs often turn to heroin when they are no longer able to obtain the prescription drugs because heroin is cheaper and easier to access. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has estimated that annually, alcohol is a contributing factor for the deaths of 4,358 young people who are under the age of 21. In addition, research has found that there is in fact a link between teenage substance abuse and suicide. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, almost ten percent of emergency room visits that were drug-related, involved a suicide attempt by an adolescent.

Drug related teenage deaths are preventable, it starts with encouraging teens to not use drugs or alcohol period. As teen and high school drug use declines, drug related teenage deaths will follow suit. If your teen or a teenager that you may know is suffering from substance abuse or addiction, encourage them to seek help today. Addiction is a disease which can affect anyone no matter their age, race, or gender. High school drug use in teens is especially dangerous because it can negatively impact their development. In addition, the earlier an individual starts using drugs, the more likely they are to develop a drug use problem later in life. That is why it is important to constantly educate teens and high school students on the dangers of drug and alcohol use as a means to prevent and reduce rates of teen substance use, abuse, and addiction.