The annual National Survey on Drug Use and Health, conducted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) found a strong link between teens’ perceived risk of using a certain drug and their actual use of that drug.

"Adolescence is a period of significant developmental change when health patterns are being established. Decisions that youths make about tobacco and drug use can have both immediate and long-term health consequences for themselves, their families, and their communities." [Source: SAMHSA]

Based on the correlation between perceived risk and drug use, parents, teachers and anti-drug campaigns could make significant impacts in teen drug use by emphasizing the risks. The more teens are aware of, and believe in, the risks associated with – for example - heroin, cocaine or alcohol, the less likely they are to use.

Labels: causes_of_teen_substance_abuse