Teens are highly susceptible to using substances. With their lifestyle today, substance use is common among teenagers. In this blog, we write all the things you need to know about teenage drug abuse.
What Is The Number One Substance Used By Teens?
Yearly the number one drug used by teens changes, but the common substances that teens use nowadays are alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana. These substances are widely available to teens, especially alcohol.
While there is a legal age to buy alcoholic drinks, teens have different access to alcohol. It is not surprising that a high percentage of teens already drink alcohol.
The Dangers Of Using Substances During Adolescence
Substance use during adolescence can have detrimental effects on the mind and body. A person’s brain is still going through significant development during adolescence. Substance use can obstruct this and affect functions like memory, cognitive flexibility, focus, and judgment. Also, teens who use substances are likely to participate in dangerous behavior.
Which Teenager Is Most Prone To Drug Use?
A person is more likely to acquire a substance use disorder if they are younger. Teens who have experienced trauma are also at risk. Because mental health illnesses and substance use disorders frequently co-occur. Teens who are around friends or family who use drugs are much more likely to abuse it themselves because it is readily available to them.
What Are the Risk Factors for Adolescent Substance Abuse?
Some of the most important risk factors why teens abuse substances include:
- Traumatic life events including child abuse, sexual abuse, or the death of a loved one
- Drug use of the mother while pregnant
- Genetics
- An environment where drug use is common
- Family members who use drugs
- Mental health illness
- Bad academic performance
Getting Help For Adolescent Substance Abuse
Many Americans who battle substance abuse are teenagers and young adults. Adolescent substance abuse is due to having difficulty finding themselves. But substance abuse in teens is common and reversible. You don’t have to be embarrassed. Also, there are numerous treatment facilities available if you or your adolescent is dealing with an addiction.
Mallard Lake Detox Center in Dallas, Texas, offers different kinds of programs for substance abuse like Alcohol Addiction Treatment, Marijuana Detox Treatment, and a lot more.
If you have questions, we have a 24/7 helpline – call us.