Lifelong Effects of Teen Substance Abuse

In high school, it's pretty much a guarantee that drugs and alcohol will be around. Nobody wants to be the odd man out, so you'll probably try them once or twice. Of course, we've all been taught to "just say no," but honestly, learning to say no in a classroom, and really having to say no to your friends and peers are two completely different things. Because of this, having to "just say no" sounds like a pretty lame option, but in reality it might be the smartest choice that you can make. While you might tell yourself that you're just going to drink or use drugs once, the reality is that if you use drugs or drink alcohol at one party, you'll probably do it at another party. This is when things can start to get dangerous.

I highly doubt that anybody (teens and adults alike) starts using drugs or alcohol planning to get addicted or become dependent, but it happens whether we plan it or not. You might intend to try weed, or meth, or cocaine, just once, but before you know it, you are addicted. Because of this very real danger, we need to be informed about the reality of drug and alcohol abuse. It might be fun in the moment, but the long-lasting effects of substance abuse can result in a reality that might not be so great.

There are some serious long-lasting consequences of drug and alcohol abuse as a teenager:

1. Studies have found that teen drug use can result in psychiatric disorders, like depression, in your mid-20s. While drugs and alcohol might make you feel great now, they could make you feel awful as you get older.

2. Like I've said before, we all know that underage drinking is illegal, and probably not the best idea, but we do it anyway. Unfortunately, this can cause some serious consequences like alcoholism and changes in brain functioning. Neither of these seems like a real good time. This site also has links that can help you to find a treatment program if you feel like your substance abuse has gotten out of control.

3. There are many different issues related to adolescent substance abuse, including some very serious consequences that are a result of the abuse of drugs and alcohol. Some of these consequences include developmental problems, physical and mental consequences, and future use disorders.

You may think that using drugs as a teenager isn't that critical, and isn't worth a whole lot of thought. You tell yourself that you'll stop before things get too serious, and everything will be fine. This might seem like a good plan, but it's pretty short-sighted. Nobody wants to feel like a social outcast, but I also don't know a lot of people who want to become dependent on drugs or alcohol, or who want to put themselves at risk for psychiatric disorders. Sure, you'll have a good time now, but that fun could be at the expense of your future. If you ask me, it's not worth it.

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

posted by beth @ 3:54 PM