No two teens are alike, and neither are the challenges that they face. However, there are several common reasons why teenagers may begin to experiment with drugs or alcohol in the first place.
1. Peer Pressure
The National Institute on Drug Abuse conducted a survey in 2016 and discovered that 1.9 million adolescents ages 12 – 17 years old had used illicit drugs within 30 days of the survey. A majority of these teens reported being given drugs or alcohol by a peer. Teens want to be accepted and to fit in. When their best friend offers them drugs or alcohol, it’s unlikely that they’ll say no.
2. Self-Medication & Escape
It’s not uncommon for mental health symptoms to begin to make an appearance during the teen years. In order to cope with symptoms of depression, anxiety, or other mental health disorders, teens often begin using drugs or alcohol to minimize their symptoms or to “numb out”.
3. Performance Improvement
With immense amounts of pressure relating to academics and extra-curricular activities, teens may begin using performance-enhancing drugs or stimulants in order to meet the expectations of their parents, teachers, or coaches.
4. Experimentation
Kids are naturally curious, and kids grow into teenagers. It’s not uncommon for teens to seek out drugs or alcohol just to know what the sensations of being inebriated are like.
5. To Feel Grown Up
Teens want to feel grown-up, and it’s no surprise that they do! The idea of being an adult is new and exciting, and being able to drink, smoke cigarettes, or use illicit and harmful drugs is also exciting for many teens.
6. To Fit In
Peer pressure is a very real thing. Teens often feel like they must do what their friends are doing to fit in. If all of their friends are using drugs, they will likely feel pressure to do the same.
7. To Rebel
For some teens, using drugs is a way to rebel against their parents or other authority figures. They’re trying to assert their independence and show that they can make their own decisions.
8. To Cope With Stress
The teenage years can be stressful. Balancing school, extracurricular activities, and social lives can be overwhelming. Some teens turn to drugs as a way to cope with stress.
9. To Escape Reality
For some teens, life is just too hard. They may be dealing with difficult home situations, bullying, or other problems. Drugs can help them escape from their reality and forget about their problems, even if just for a little while.
10. To Feel Good
For some teens, using drugs is all about the high. They’re chasing that feeling of euphoria and are willing to do whatever it takes to get it.
12. To Numb the Pain
For some teens, using drugs is a way to numb the pain. They may be dealing with trauma, grief, or other emotional distress. Drugs can help them escape from those feelings, even if just for a little while.
If you’re a parent of a teen, it’s important to be aware of the reasons why youth use drugs. It can be helpful to discuss the risks and dangers of drug use.
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