Substance Abuse Prevention

Negative Effects of Teenage Substance Abuse

Teens who abuse dangerous drugs may do that to deal with emotionally and mentally difficult situations. Although some of these problems may be momentary, drug addiction may have lifelong consequences. Among these conditions include, but are not confined to:

• Depression and nervousness
• Poor academic achievement Reduced participation in extracurricular activities
• Relationships that are fragmented Low self-esteem
• Poor or deteriorating health
• Having difficulty making friends and feeling lonely
• Develop destructive behaviors, particularly unlawful ones
• Arrests involving drinking and driving, petty crime, and others
• Hospitalization, overdosing, and mortality.

As a result of peer pressure or the desire to belong, adolescents may also use illegal drugs and engage in dangerous behavior. Unfortunately, drug misuse and addiction may have terrible impacts on both the person and his or her family. Furthermore, some effects of adolescent drug misuse and behavior may lead to legal issues, scholastic difficulties, financial difficulties, drug dependency, polydrug usage, and unexpected pregnancy.

Which Teens Are More Prone To Addiction?

Some teens are more prone to addiction than others, even though most teens who misuse harmful drugs can become addicted and contribute to the epidemic. Depressed or anxious teens seem more inclined to experiment with drugs. Further, moving or changing schools may strain and isolate teens. Also, teens without a good schedule of positive activities are at risk, and they may use drugs to dull their feelings.

The sooner drug misuse begins, the more likely the abuser may acquire a SUD or Substance Use Disorder. Further, Chronic pain teens could be in danger. Further, chronic pain may cause teens to get hooked on Opioids. Personal or familial drug usage histories are also risk factors for addiction.

Preventative Measures For Teenage Substance Abuse

Drug Abuse prevention begins at home. So parents may discuss drug and alcohol misuse with their children. Further early drug education may help youngsters avoid addiction. So, this helps families positively influence and teach limits to their children.

Parents teach children to refuse harmful things. Prevention conversations strengthen child-parent connections, and parents can develop long-lasting contact and direction. Many parents send their teens to Alateen, so they can meet other teens like them.

Government entities, community leaders, and school staff must encourage teens to avoid drugs. So, this is mostly to avoid young drug misuse before entering the "real world." Organizations like Boys to Men Mentoring are also very beneficial to adolescent and teen boys in preventing substance abuse later on in life. Teen drug misuse has been reduced due to these instructional methods.