Drug use at any age can potentially be dangerous. The effects that ingesting a strong combination of chemicals in order to experience mind-altering feelings can have long-lasting and life-changing consequences. However, the younger you are when you begin taking drugs is very important in how you will behave around drugs later in life. This is no more important than when drugs are abused by teenagers. The dangers of teen drug use are real and clearly supported by the science. So, you teens out there, before you start to think that you might want to do some drug, do your research first of the benefits and see if they are outweighed by the dangers.
The main danger is that due to the person being a teenager, their brain is still developing. The age that a brain is fully developed and the rational thinking part of the brain is working at full capacity is around the age of 25. Therefore, when you are a teenager, say 15 years old, there is another decade to go before your brain has fully grown. When drugs are consumed and abused in the teenage years, those drugs can make lasting chemical changes in the brain that will affect long-term cognitive function.
Another danger of teen drug use is that teens that use drugs have a much higher chance of becoming addicted later in their adult years. This is true even if the teen did not develop an addiction when they were teenagers and even quit using drugs for a period of time. Something changes chemically in the brain that predisposes adults to addiction if they took drugs in high school.
One of the main reasons that teenagers begin using drugs is due to the desire for experimentation. Now, teens experiment with many things during these years, some good and some bad, it is was is expected of them. And if a teenager experiments with drugs or booze, that fact alone does not mean he or she will become an addict or an alcoholic. Many teenagers experiment with both drugs and alcohol and grow up to be normal, functioning members of society. However, that being said, over 50% of people taking drugs for the first time are under 18 years of age. Some of the reasons teens begin taking drugs are the following:
- Experimentation and being curious
- Pressure from friends and a need to fit in
- Stress and anxiety
- A perceived need to escape from their emotions and life in general
The good news is that use of drugs among teenagers is dropping. Some of the signs to look for of teen drug use are the following:
- Dropping grades
- No interest in doing the things they liked before
- Being secretive
- A change of friends
- Red and bloodshot eyes
- Getting the munchies all the time
- Being tired all of the time
- A significant change in attitude toward the negative
Parents who are diligent and have open and honest conversations with their teen sons and daughters can help stop a potential problem in the bud.
The supervised detoxification and residential treatment programs at Asana Recovery are offered in a supportive, relaxing, and inspiring environment. We’re deeply committed to ensuring your long-term recovery and guiding you on your path to a healthier and happier future. There is no better time than now, and we’re always available to speak with you. Call us at (949) 438-4504 to learn more about our comprehensive drug and alcohol addiction treatment program today.
