There are certainly some core influences and issues that lead to drug abuse among the youth.
Being a parent, you need to understand these causes and talk to your kids about the dangerous legal, physical, and mental consequences of doing drugs. In this blog, we shed light on the causes of drug abuse in young people, its effects, and its connection with the juvenile justice system in the US.
Causes:
1. Media
According to the reports, around 45 percent of young people agree to the fact that movies, music, and TV shows make marijuana and other drugs seem like a normal thing to do. So be attentive to what media your son or daughter is consuming.
2. Boredom
Prime candidates of drug abuse in the US are the teens that can’t bear loneliness. Drugs are often their coping mechanism to fill the internal void. In essence, drugs allow them to befriend like-minded people in a short time which kills their boredom.
3. Self-Medication Or Escape
Adolescence is tricky and full of ups and downs. Young people often face disappointments and frustration for some or other reasons. When they don’t get a proper and healthy outlet to release their stress, they may turn to drugs to find solace. Parents of such kids must call the addiction helpline immediately to avoid further problems. Depending on the drugs they use, they may experience improved happiness, joy, confidence, and energy. Furthermore, the teenage years can be rough at times and can take a major toll on the emotional state of young people. In some cases, it may lead to depression. In such situations, when they are given drugs to feel relaxed and better, many of them cannot refuse it.
4. People Around Them
It is common for young people to see many adults including their parents drinking alcohol or using other substances like marijuana, vapes, cigarettes, etc. Plus, their social circle often revolves around smoking marijuana and drinking.
When they see the people around them enjoying pot, alcohol, or other substances, the increased urge can provoke teens to do the same. Such environments make them think that drugs and drinks are normal in society. Teen substance abuse can be an
incredibly difficult problem to overcome without the right support. Thus, adolescent residential treatment provides the right support to separate you from toxic people and addictions to build a better future.
Effects of Youth Drug Abuse
Young people who are into severe drug abuse face many problems like academic issues, physical and mental health problems, disturbed relationships, and worse, interaction with the juvenile justice system. This does not stop just here. The effects are often extended for their family members, their communities, and even the entire society.
Legal
Possession of illegal drugs lands young people in court. If a person is caught distributing or selling substances, it can even lead to a sentence in prison. Once a teenager’s prison records are created, the future life for them can be extremely difficult. A criminal record can lead to long-term legal issues like:
- Admission or readmission to school
- Eligibility for public housing
- Job opportunities
- Financial aid for studies
- Joining the armed forces
Apart from this, DUI is one of the most common legal troubles teens are involved in. Dealing with such legal fatalities can be a costly affair due to the involvement of penalties, mandated testing or probations, court & representation costs, and several other fees. Sadly, the deaths of many young people occur because of automobile crashes. According to the data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 6 teens aging between 16 to 19 die on roads every day in the US, and most of these cases are connected to drug abuse. The possibility of serious criminal behavior is more with drug-abusing teens. The more severe the drug abuse, the more serious the criminal offense. The reports tell that 4 out 5 juvenile offenders are under the influence of drugs.
Physical
Physical effects of drug abuse among youth include accidental injuries, increased threats of suicide, homicide, illness, and disabilities. Also, drug-abusing teens are more susceptible to diseases like HIV/AIDS due to sexual contact with an infected person or sharing of unsterile injections.
Mental
The following are the mental health issues that are linked to young people who abuse drugs:
- Depression
- Withdrawal symptoms
- Apathy
- Developmental lags
- Bipolar
- Dementia
- Amnesia
- Psychosis
This list is not limited as drug abuse can cause several other psychological dysfunctions in young people.
Conclusion
As a parent, it is important to keep an eye on the behavior of your kids and provide them with a happy and healthy environment. Failing to do so can lead to serious consequences.
