Teenagers and alcohol effects

ALTHOUGH teen drug abuse occurs at epidemic proportions, the most common substance abused by teenagers is alcohol. In fact, researchers found that 35.3% of students had used alcohol in the past month — 58.2% have drank in the past year. In fact, 35% of teens have tried drinking by age 15 and 65% have tried alcohol by age 18.

Teen alcohol abuse is rampant because teens can acquire alcohol relatively easily — since many parents keep it in their homes. This substance allows teens to let their guards down and engage with peers more comfortably. However, the perceived benefits of alcohol are mitigated by its dangers. Almost 5 000 young people under age 21 die each year from alcohol-related incidents such as overdose and car accidents

Why do teens do drugs?

The teenage years are tough. There is no single reason for why teens do drugs or why teens drink alcohol — but research points to a few trends:

Peer Pressure — Teens are quite vulnerable to copying the behaviours of those around them. For example, if your child's friends are “robotripping,” then your teen is more likely to try the same method of drug abuse.

Social Boost – Drugs that give you confidence tend to appeal especially to shy teenagers who otherwise feel socially inept.

Academic problems — Struggles at school can have a huge impact on a child. If academic pressure, your teen might feel they have no choice but to abuse a “study drug” such as Adderall.

Parent behaviour — If you or another adult in your home abuses drugs or alcohol, then your child has received the message that this behavior is acceptable.

Boredom — If your teen is disengaged in life, they might seek excitement through a new experience such as drug use. Simple as it may sound, substance abuse offers an activity to pass the time.

Co-occurring disorders — Oftentimes a teen who is dealing with depression or anxiety will turn to substance abuse as a way to cope with their mental problem.

Effects of drug abuse

From decreased academic performance to social isolation to serious physical injuries, drugs and alcohol can impact your teen in countless ways. While some of these effects can be remedied when the substance abuse stops, many are permanent. Each drug carries its own set of side effects, but some consequences are prevalent among multiple substances.

Physical effects of drug abuse

Drugs can wreak havoc on the body, and are especially devastating to teens who are still developing. Some of the physical risks of substance abuse are:

Liver damage

Heart attack

High blood pressure

Lung infections

Kidney disease

Coma

Weakened immune system

Abnormal vital signs

Social effects of drug abuse

Some of the social problems teens face due to substance abuse are:

Loss of friends

Decreased academic performance Job loss