The Risk Factors of Substance Abuse for Teens
Teens are among the greatest statistics when it comes to drug and alcohol abuse. What risk factors cause them to become victims at such early ages? Actually, there are several.
The number one reason teens fall into substance abuse is peer pressure. They do not want to be teased, they want to be seen as cool, they do not want to be left out. Peer pressure. One of the most common things at any age, yet it most defines us in adolescence. Peer pressure accounts for many things, kids getting into trouble with their friends, kids skipping school, drinking beer down by the lake, rave parties, smoking a joint. Peer pressure.
Along with peer pressure are those rave parties that were mentioned. Some of them are called pharm parties. Teens take prescription medications from their family medicine cabinets, vitamins, ibuprofen, even Grandma’s pills and they are thrown in a big bowl and then? They are taken TOGETHER. Teens think it is harmless because they are "legal" drugs that were bought over the counter or prescribed. It can be a deadly mistake believing that.
Another risk factor for substance abuse in teens is what also affects grown men and women and that is having an alcoholic or drug addicted parent. Teens who live in a home where a parent drinks excessively or is a drug addict are often scared to bring their friends home. Whether they like to admit it or not, alcoholic or drug addicted parents do have the tendency to verbally and even physically abuse their spouse and children. It is proven every day when police officers are called to homes regarding domestic disputes. So the teen is embarrassed or scared to bring someone home and can not really go anywhere himself. Dad is drunk again but there is liquor in the cabinet. Maybe Mom passed out from her latest cocaine trip, is that white powder really all that? The teen gives drinking or drugs a try. It’s the second biggest risk factor for teens, parents paving the way.
Teens can get hooked on steroids because they want to be the best on their sporting team. They can be in an accident and get hooked on a prescribed pain reliever. They get hooked out of loneliness, low self esteem, fear, and even because of the belief that addiction "won’t happen to me".
Treatment for teens who get addicted to drugs or alcohol is available. Teens are young enough that they can get clean and get the help they need even on a short term basis. Their entire lives are ahead of them. Getting help as a teen can stop them from the problems that come with being an addict or an alcoholic at a more mature age, including a lot of the physical medical conditions that can occur.