subject: Teenage Substance Abuse [print this page] While teenage substance abuse has been slightly declining each year for the past twenty years, today one in three adolescents continue to use and abuse drugs every year.
In fact more than 1.1 million teenagers in the U.S. alone meet the diagnostic criteria for drug dependency, and more than 1 million teens are receiving treatment for alcohol dependency.
In a 2007 study, the University of Michigan asked 8th, 10th, and 12th grade students if they had used an illicit drug at least once in the past year. The results of who answered yes were:
* 13 percent of 8th graders
* 28 percent of 10th graders
* 36 percent of 12th graders
Abused substances included alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, opiates, stimulants, cocaine, hallucinogens, inhalants, steroids, non-prescribed prescription drugs, and club drugs like ecstasy.
Teenagers at the highest risk for substance abuse are those with low self-esteem, feel alienated, feel depressed, and those with a history of substance abuse in their family.
Teenagers who are under the influence of illicit drugs will often show the following types of symptoms:
* Slurred speech
* Poor coordination
* Memory problems
* Difficulties in concentration
However, a teenager is not usually going to be in the presence of their parents while under the influence of drugs. However, teenage substance abuse will still show some very pronounced symptoms, including:
* increased secretiveness
* shoplifting
* sudden personality changes
* increased temper or aggressiveness
* lack of interest in hobbies
* drop in grades
* change in friends
* reluctance to let parents talk to friends
* nervousness
* poor grooming
* loss of pride in personal appearance
* long sleeved shirts, baggy clothing
* weight loss
* borrowing money
* stealing money
If you suspect your teenager of substance abuse, talk to them.
by: Amanda Gordon
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