Teen substance abuse in the U.S. is not just a problem for the teens using the drugs, smoking and drinking alcohol, it is also a problem for the adults they will one day become. Teens who drink, smoke or become addicted to an illegal substance are likely to continue using and abusing these substances as adults. In fact, a new study has revealed that teen substance abuse in the U.S. is the number one public health problem in the country.
Teen substance abuse in the United States:
This information has been recently released from a study completed by The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University. This new study demonstrates that the vital role played by the parents of these teens at risk for abusing substances is more important than ever. About one in four American teens that begin using an addictive substance like tobacco, alcohol or drugs, before the age of 18 become addicted and carry that addiction into their adult years. However, only one in 25 young adults who begin using an addictive substance over the age of 21 are likely to begin a long-term addiction. This new evidence shows exactly how susceptible teens are to becoming addicted and being unable to quit the habit before they become an adult. This report revealed that 75 percent, at least 10 million, of all high school students have used or tried addictive substances like tobacco, alcohol, marijuana or cocaine. About one in five of these teens already meets the medial definition of addiction of a substance. About 46 percent of all high school students regularly use addictive substances, and out of that amount about one i n three meet the medical criteria for addiction. The reason teens and adolescents are more likely to become addicted to one of these substances is because their brains are still in development and are more susceptible to the addictive properties of tobacco, alcohol and drugs.
How to prevent teen substance abuse:
This is a growing problem throughout the United States, which is why it is important for parents to play an active role in preventing their child from getting involved in these addictions that could easily have life-long consequences. Early use of the drugs and alcohol are prime for causing problems for the teen later on in his or her adult lives. Many teens who begin drinking at an early age have problems with drunk driving, alcohol addiction, binge drinking and alcoholism. If alcohol issues are something that runs in the family, this matter should be taken even more seriously. It is important for parents to know where their children are, who they are hanging out with and what kinds of activities they are doing. It is also important for parents to discuss these matters with their teens to explain the extensive problems addictions can create in a person’s life.
