Causes of Teenage Drug Abuse & Alcoholism

1. Other People

Teenagers see lots of people using
various substances
They see their parents and other
adults drinking alcohol
smoking, and, sometimes
abusing other substances
Also, the teen social scene often
revolves around drinking
and smoking pot
Sometimes friends urge
one another to try a drink
or smoke something
but it's just as common for
teens to start using
a substance because
it's readily available
and they see all their friends
enjoying it. In their minds
they see drug use as
a part of the normal
teenage experience





2. Popular Media

Forty-two percent of teens agreed
that movies and TV shows make
drugs seem like an OK thing to do
according to a 2003 study
Not surprisingly, 12- to 17-year-olds
who viewed three or
more "R" rated movies per
month were seven times more
likely to smoke cigarettes
six times more likely to use marijuana
and five times more likely
to drink alcohol, compared
to those who hadn't
watched "R" rated films





3. Escape and Self-Medication

When teens are unhappy and
can't find a healthy outlet
for their frustration
or a trusted confidant
they may turn to
chemicals for solace
Depending on what substance
they're using, they may feel
blissfully oblivious
wonderfully happy, or e
nergized and confident
The often rough teenage years
can take an emotional
toll on children
sometimes even causing depression
so when teens are
given a chance to take
something to make
them feel better
many can’t resist





4. Boredom

Teens who can't tolerate being alone
have trouble keeping themselves
occupied, or crave excitement
are prime candidates
for substance abuse
Not only do alcohol and marijuana
give them something to do
but those substances help
fill the internal
void they feel. Further, they provide a
common ground for interacting
with like-minded teens
a way to instantly bond
with a group of kids





5. Rebellion

Different rebellious teens choose
different substances to use based
on their personalities
Alcohol is the drug of choice
for the angry teenager
because it frees him to
behave aggressively
Methamphetamine, or meth
also encourage aggressive
violent behavior, and can
be far more dangerous
and potent than alcohol
Marijuana, on the other hand
often seems to reduce
aggression and is more of
an avoidance drug
LSD and hallucinogens
are also escape drugs
often used by young people
who feel misunderstood
and may long to escape
to a more idealistic
kind world. Smoking cigarettes
can be a form of rebellion
to flaunt their independence
and make their
parents angry. The reasons
for teenage drug-use
are as complex as
teenagers themselves





6. Instant Gratification

Drugs and alcohol work quickly
The initial effects feel really good
Teenagers turn to drug
use because they see
it as a short-term shortcut to happiness





7. Lack of Confidence

Many shy teenagers who lack
confidence report that
they'll do things under
the influence of alcohol
or drugs that they might
not otherwise
This is part of the appeal
of drugs and alcohol
even for relatively
self-confident teens
you have the courage
to dance if you're a bad dancer
or sing at the top
of your lungs even if you have
a terrible voice, or kiss the
girl you're attracted to
And alcohol and other
drugs tend not only to loosen
your inhibitions but
to alleviate social anxiety
Not only do you have something
in common with the
other people around you
but there's the mentality
that if you do anything
or say anything stupid
everyone will just think
you had too many drinks
or smoked too much weed





8. Misinformation

Perhaps the most avoidable
cause of substance abuse
is inaccurate information
about drugs and alcohol
Nearly every teenager has
friends who claim to be
experts on various recreational
substances, and they're happy
to assure her that the
risks are minimal. Educate your
teenager about drug use
so they get the real facts
about the dangers of drug use



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Best Wishes
NOOR