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

It's easy to find statistics about teenage drug use. It's also fairly easy to find tragic stories of teens that lost their lives, or ended up in prison, because of their addictions. The dangers of drug use are well-known, yet teens continue to get drunk, get high, and get addicted. Why?

"Life is often difficult for teenagers. When they're unhappy and uncomfortable with themselves and have neither a healthy outlet for their frustrations nor a trusted confidant, they may turn to chemicals for solace."

The media often makes drug use look much more prevalent than it actually is, making teens feel like it must not be "a big deal" if so many people are doing it. Teens who feel socially awkward, depressed, or ignored by their parents are also more likely to turn to alcohol and drugs. Read more at DrugFree.org.

Labels: addiction, causes_of_teen_substance_abuse, media_influences