In the past few decades, illegal drug use for teenagers has decreased somewhat. In 1996, 13.1% of 8th graders, 18.4% of 10th graders, and 21.6% of 12th graders (2001) used illegal drugs, but recently in 2017, only 5.8% of 8th graders, 9.4% of 10th graders, and 13.3% of 12th graders used illicit drugs. Many are claiming that substance abuse for adolescents is at a historic low compared to earlier years. This could be likely due to all the school programs that have emerged to discourage drug use with scare tactics and consequences.
With all of the advancements in research on drug addiction and treatment facilities, most people know about addiction, withdrawal, and recovery. Some people learned about it in school and others can look it up online. This increased awareness may have played a part in decreasing trends in drug use for teens. Better overall mental health and family have also been suggested as possible reasons for the decline in drug use amongst teens.
Why do Some Teens Still Use Drugs?
Many social psychological factors could play into why teens still fall under peer pressure to use drugs. Groupthink, the phenomenon that people in groups do not question others in the group, could be a possible explanation. Or conformity to the in-group could be affecting the decisions of teens. Growing up is hard, especially with the ability of kids to cyberbully now, which can practically destroy a person’s reputation at school and online. Bullied teens may be desperate to fit in and will do anything to gain acceptance, even if that means using drugs. That still does not seem to explain drug use, however, because the millennial generation is generally more accepting of others who are different and bullying is looked down on. Statistics partially support this notion as new data shows a drop from 28 to 22 percent of teen bullying in recent years. While not a massive change, this statistic is almost parallel to the decline in drug use amongst teens.
This drop in rates of bullying could signify either that teens are maturing faster and their maturation prevents them from using drugs or that there is less peer pressure due to less bullying, to use drugs. Media messages about the adverse effects of drugs could also play a role. Teenagers want to avoid experiencing negative things that they see others go through, so they avoid the risk of having to experience those negative things themselves.
A study suggests that the adolescent mind is sensitive to the rewarding aspects of social stimuli, but that these social stimuli tend to overpower teen’s ability to not make an impulsive decision. Teens are going through all the hormonal changes that promote socialization as a reward in the reward system of the brain because these are the stages for developing social skills that are needed for the survival of a group.
How to Prevent Teen Drug Use
To avoid peer pressure, it is suggested that the child is raised to put higher value into finding a balance between making decisions based on family values and choices based on individuality. The end goal of adolescence is to break free from the family and start a family of their own. This is why the youth can be riddled with rebellious acts. To avoid drug use as one of those rebellious acts, parents need to encourage peer groups that reinforce positive academic, athletic, and social activities other than activities that can harm individuals.
If you know someone who has already started using drugs, it is never too late to seek treatment. The effects of drug abuse can be reversed, and addiction can be ended by contacting Asana Recovery at 949-438-4504, where they offer multiple services for those struggling with drug and alcohol addictions. With a supportive staff and a variety of therapies, dependency can be defeated.