Abuse and addiction are not the same thing. Abuse comes first, and may or may not lead to addiction. Some parents and caregivers think there's no need to be truly concerned about their teenager until he or she is struggling with a full-blown addiction. And many teens who use drugs casually think the same thing. But the destructive effects of drug use start long before a person becomes addicted. The web site Health A to Z has outlined some of the important differences between abuse and addiction and the dangers of both.

"Teenagers are in a phase of life in which their brains and bodies are still developing. Drug abuse and addiction interfere with their sense of who they are and how they learn and mature. These problems can harm a teen's future..."

The article goes on to list several drugs, including prescription medications, which are commonly abused by teenagers. It gives general information about each drug and its potential short- and long-term effects.

Posted By: Lori S