Adolescent Substance Abuse Articles
Students recognize the risks drugs pose to their independence
By Staff Writer
The results of a recent study on teenage drug use indicates that tapping into an adolescent's desire for independence may prevent them from having to seek substance abuse help for an addiction later in life.
A federal anti-drug campaign known as Above the Influence appears to have had an effect on more than 3,000 students in 20 communities, according to recent research. Of this population, up to 79 percent were familiar with the campaign, which not only emphasizes the risk drug use can have on one's health, but on their independence as well.
For instance, one of the campaign's television ads carries the message that drugs can cause a user to fall behind in life.
Researchers found that of 3,000 eighth graders who were unfamiliar with the campaign, 12 percent began abusing marijuana. Of the students who were familiar with the campaign, 8 percent engaged in marijuana use. In addition, those who had seen the campaign's ads were more likely to believe that marijuana use would interfere with their goals and aspirations.
As many teenagers are known to engage in risky behavior, the researchers feel that campaigns which place an emphasis on the dangers of marijuana use alone may not stop them from trying the substance.
