DRUG ABUSE AMONG TEENAGERS

Many teenagers experiment with or regularly use alcohol and other drugs. In fact, drug use among adolescents is much more common than parents realize. Nearly two-thirds of all American young people try an illegal drug before they finish high school. Alcohol and nicotine (in cigarettes) are the most common drugs used by teenagers. Alcohol, marijuana, and nicotine are often stepping stones to use of harder, more addicting drugs.

Teens will often experiment with drugs once or twice and stop. Others will continue occasional use without experiencing any real problems. Many will use drugs on a regular basis and become addicted. It is not possible to tell which teenagers will stop.

Prevention programs offer hope in delaying or preventing teenage drug use. The best prevention is a warm and secure family environment. Parents who teach their children by example, and who refrain from using drugs themselves, have the best chance of raising a drug-free child.

Early detection of drug problems in teenagers is important for their treatment. Treatment helps teens develop new ways of coping with their problems. Many teens use alcohol and other drugs to cover up their feelings. Teens who have developed a serious drug or alcohol problem need to learn to have fun with friends without using drugs and alcohol.

Watch out for these warning signs of teenage drug abuse:

increasing agitation and irritability
missing school or cutting classes
a drop in grades
getting into fights or severe conflict with parents
hanging out with a new, possibly older, crowd of friends
depression, confusion, and mood swings
isolating one's self in a room
getting in trouble at school or with the law
changes in likes and dislikes to a more unconventional style (such as with music, hair, and clothing)
a significant weight gain or loss
red or glassy eyes, extreme fatigue, and poor health

Parents who recognize any of these warning signs in their teen should contact a healthcare provider or counselor. For more information, call the National Institute on Drug Abuse at (301) 443-1124 or the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence at 800-NCA-CALL, or 800-622-2255.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

HIL File SUBS4434.rf2 VRS# 4434 Data Version 7.0