According to new teen drug abuse statistics, drug abuse is once again on the rise for the teenage generation. These findings by the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University indicated that parents need to play a bigger role in their teens’ life and the decisions they make in regards to underage drinking and doing drugs. The rates of drug use among teens is increasing in the numbers of teens that are drinking alcohol underage and doing drugs like marijuana. Teens are also more likely to be using drugs and substances that become addictive.
There are many reasons teens are using more drugs now despite a decade of decline of teen drug use, according to the new teen drug abuse statistics from the CASA. The results from the study indicated that many teens will opt to do drugs and drink underage because they are looking for a way to cope with stress. Teens, like the rest of the nation, could be feeling the effects of the United States financial crisis. Instead of coping and continuing to get an education, teens are turning to drug use and possible addiction as a result. In the past year, the number of teens using marijuana has raised from 32 to 39 percent. Teens who use the party drug Ecstasy have increased from six percent to 10 percent. These new teen drug abuse statistics show clear evidence that drug abuse is on the rise for teens, and without taking action now, these statistics could continue to rise.
While teachers and other educational opportunities are available for teens in school to learn about the dangers of drug use, it is really up to the parent to make sure they know what their teen is doing and know if they are at risk for falling into this rising statistical category of teens that use drugs. Talking to your teen about drug abuse and the effects of drinking and doing drugs is imperative. It is a better idea to do whatever you can to prevent your teen from engaging in this kind of behavior. Part of these prevention efforts need to be placed on knowing what your teen is doing and who they are doing it with. It is also important to not only know what your teen is doing, but to also have an open dialogue with them about drug use and underage drinking.
According to the new teen drug statistics, teens are also more likely to become addicted to an addictive substance prior to the age of 18. About one in four teens fit this description. Out of one of three teens surveyed in the study that admitted to trying drugs or alcohol (about 75 percent) are already addicted to some kind of substance like cocaine or alcohol. Because these numbers are continuing to increase now after years of decline, parents need to do something now before they continue to climb at such a dramatic increase. This is when parents need to keep in mind that their teen might also be already doing drugs or at least testing the waters when it comes to drinking and drugs. If this is the case, parents need to know the signs to watch for to see if their teen is at risk for these types of behaviors. If so, treatment for their teen needs to be sought immediately. Getting treatment right away is the best way to prevent addiction from taking over and continuing into their adult life. Because the teen brain is still developing, addiction to these substances is more likely to occur and further more affect their life as an adult when it comes to pursuing higher education and getting a job. This is why parents need to put a stop to the drub abuse on the rise trend that is now being seen in teens.
Sources: prnews.com, msnbc.msn.com
