The Reality of Teen Drug Abuse

In the course of writing this blog, I’ve been reading a lot of articles about teens abusing drugs who underestimate the consequences of drugs and who overestimate their ability to control their drug use. I think this is a big problem that we face. We all learn so much about drugs that teens feel like they can beat or control addiction. Teens think they’re invincible, and say, “Well, that won’t happen to me.” The kids in these articles live in suburbia, have good families, and have almost certainly learned about the consequences of drugs. Yet, teens still try drugs, teens still become addicted, and in some cases, teens still die.

Just being a teenager doesn’t give you a free pass to “experiment” or do things that you know you shouldn’t. Of course you’re going to do something stupid or awkward every once and a while, but that stupidity crosses the line from ordinary teenage angst into dangerous and irresponsible behavior when drugs and alcohol are involved. Putting your life at risk by abusing drugs and alcohol is serious, and it's important to know that this kind of substance abuse has some pretty serious consequences.

The risks of addiction and death definitely do not outweigh the benefit of a temporary high. When they're using drugs, teens don't think that they will die in their dealer’s house, while a prostitute tries to revive you, but it happens. It can happen to anybody, and you are not exempt.

If you or someone you love has a problem with drugs, it is important to get help. Talk to your parents or your teachers for advice and to help find a treatment program that can help you achieve recovery.

Labels: teen-addiction, teen-alcohol-abuse, teen-drug-abuse, teen-drug-help, teen-rehab, teen-substance-abuse

posted by beth @ 1:01 PM