Teenage drug use and abuse is a problem that affects anywhere from 4-34% of the high school-aged teen population. Teen drug use has dropped by nearly 45% since 2010. However, teens are still prone to drinking, smoking marijuana, using prescription pills for recreational purposes, and even using illicit drugs such as heroin, and methamphetamine. With more than 1 in 100 students resorting to regular drug use during school years, parents are right to be concerned. While drug use affects an average of 14% of teenagers, many begin to use drugs for different reasons. In many cases, these reasons why teens abuse drugs overlap, influence each other, and are caused by stimuli that the teen often has no control over.
Boredom
Everyone gets bored but teenagers have more reasons than older or younger age groups. Puberty and growth hormones in the brain like gonadal steroid hormones can result in symptoms including restlessness, anxiety disorders, and boredom. In one study, 39% of a group over 22,000 students said that they were bored most of the time at school. Unfortunately, boredom leads to impulsive decisions and erratic behavior, which frequently involves drug use and abuse. Once teens realize that drugs can help them to not be bored, they can quickly become hooked.
Peer Pressure
Another reason why teens abuse drugs is peer pressure. Most people know that peer pressure is a large influencing factor in teen drug and substance abuse, but because of the popularity of the fact, few people take it seriously. However, teens are very conscious of what their peers think of them and how they act. Data shows that even the presence of friends is more likely to increase erratic behavior. This increase in risk-taking for ‘status’ is present in adolescents who feel that they must prove themselves. This translates into a higher likelihood to accept drugs in order to appear cool when peers are using them.
Rebellion
The same hormones that cause restless behavior and boredom push teens into rebellion. Teenage rebellion is natural and genetic. It is part of the process of children developing an identity separate from their parents. However, some teens take it to extremes. This involves using drugs and alcohol as a means of rebelling against their parents and sometimes the law.
Modeling Adult Behavior
Children who grow up in households or in areas where drugs are used or abused are more likely to use drugs. This becomes especially relevant during teenage years. When you combine turmoil, rebellion, hormones, and peer pressure, teens often rebel by choosing the same substances their parents and close family members do. They often even stealing those substances.
Escapism
Teens are stressed, bored, and often given large workloads, high expectations from family members, and increasing responsibility. Others grow up in poverty, are subject to online or physical bullying, are in a bad neighborhood, have lived through a traumatic experience, or even live in an abusive household. More importantly, even teens in otherwise well balanced households may be under heavy pressure. A poll of high schools across the U.S. showed that the average teen goes home with 5 hours of homework every day, or just over 17 hours per week. Teens who are exposed to stressors like poverty, abuse, trauma, and heavy workloads are more likely to use drugs to escape. This correlates to both heavy use and addiction and occasional recreational use. Students under heavy stress are more likely to want to use a substance to help get their mind off stresses.
Lack of Confidence or Self Esteem
Many teens naturally have an underdeveloped sense of self-esteem. Many are shy and haven’t yet built up the confidence to try or do the things they want. Just like adults will use alcohol as a social lubricant, many teens will use prescription and non-prescription drugs to ‘loosen up’ and feel more relaxed or confident in social situations. This is especially true at parties. Here, the combinations of factors including peer pressure make it easier to rely on drugs as a solution than to choose a healthier alternative. It also ties into loneliness, and the effects of loneliness on addiction are well documented.
Misinformation
Television, movies, and friends are all constantly telling teens that drugs are safe, present a minimal risk, and that they are ‘cool’. The constant portrayal of addiction in the media, including drugs, alcohol, and prescription pills, typically leaves an impression on young minds. Whether that impression is good or bad, it often fuels many to try substances out of curiosity. In one study, 47% of teens suggested that most movies and TV shows make drugs and alcohol seem okay. Drug use affects personalities, school performance, grades, and eventually health, motivation, and the teen’s life. If your child, your loved one, or your friend is suffering from an addiction or substance use disorder, it is important that you get them professional help to give them the tools to get clean and move forward with their life.
Contact Oceanfront Recovery for Help Today
The Oceanfront Recovery Addiction Treatment Program can help you or your loved one through the process of recovery from substance abuse addiction or recovery from alcoholism. Some therapy programs we offer include:
- EMDR Therapy Program
- Family Therapy Program
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy Program
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Program
- Dual Diagnosis Treatment Program
- PTSD Treatment Program
There are a number of reasons why teens abuse drugs, but they all deserve a second chance. Our passionate clinicians focus on bringing the underlying causes of addiction to the surface with a modern and effective recovery program. Contact us at Oceanfront Recovery at 877.279.1777 today for a confidential assessment with no obligation.
