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Teenagers often feel uncertain or overconfident when they engage in risky behavior. Some may even believe they are invincible and fail to understand the implications of their behavior, causing them to take dangerous drug risks.
Several factors can influence teen drug use and abuse. Multiple causes could arise from the home, at school, or within peers in social settings where substances like alcohol and cigarettes are introduced, leading to more experimentation with other substances like narcotics.
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The majority of new drug users are under 18 years old. 50% of teens in the US have misused drugs, according to recent studies. Why is teenage drug abuse a problem? The issue often stems from several factors, but the root is experimentation.
There are exceptions to this type of rule, and just because a teen has tried drugs or alcohol does not mean they will immediately become addicted. Instead, it's crucial to comprehend why particular teenagers are tempted to try new things in the first place. Some common reasons include:
Finding solutions to drug abuse doesn't happen overnight, and the first step is to be vigilant with physical and behavioral signs in your teen. Tell-tale signs aren't always gradual; some manifest immediately in those prescribed pain medications.
Even inadvertent medication usage can result in serious health issues such as overdosing or brain damage. Since many illegal substances are being manufactured in home labs, their potency varies widely.
Adolescent drug misuse can be identified by the following:
Communicating drug abuse with your teen creates a safe space for them to speak up. In a non-threatening tone, parents can ask directly. "Have you been using drugs?" or "Did someone recently give you access to drugs?" is often enough to start a conversation.
It's just as crucial to respond quickly to a teen's admission or denial of drug usage as it is to ask the right questions. This will create an opportunity to work together to find the right treatment plan and get help as soon as possible.
Combating teenage drug abuse is a long and arduous process that affects the teen's family members and the loved one suffering from the abuse. Ensuring they have the support system to seek help is key.
Understand drug abuse and seek treatment by reading through Radical Rehab's blogs.
Gary McKenzie is Radical Rehab’s CEO. He is committed to helping people with alcohol and drug addiction. Gary made it his mission to spread knowledge and resources to those in need.
