There are some harmful affects from teen drug use of marijuana
Many teenagers try marijuana, even those who are not considered troubled teens. However, it is important to realize that, contrary to its rather benign reputation, marijuana does have very real effects on the body, and teenagers can come to harm from marijuana. Here is what Programs for At Risk Youth points out about marijuana use:
The use of marijuana can produce adverse physical, mental, emotional, and behavioral changes, and - contrary to popular belief - it can be addictive. Marijuana smoke, like cigarette smoke, can harm the lungs. The use of marijuana can impair short-term memory , verbal skills , and judgment and distort perception. It also may weaken the immune system and possibly increase a user's likelihood of developing cancer. Finally, the increasing use of marijuana by very young teens may have a profoundly negative effect upon their development.
Many of the teenagers that begin using drugs are not what could be considered a troubled teen. Indeed, the increasing reason for teen drug use is "getting ahead." Teen drug abuse is taking the form of black market prescription medications and performance enhancing drugs like steroids. Many teenagers feel that such drugs are ways for them to gain an edge. Teen drug use is becoming another tool in the fight to stand out.
Stimulantsused to treat ADHD are often sold to aspiring scholarship students. They help students stay awake to study longer, and improve their focus.
Steroids are being used by student athletes to make them better than their peers as they hope for recognition by college and professional teams.
One of the growing teen substance abuse problems is with legal substances
Illegal teen drug abuse in the U.S. is not as high as it used to be (with the exception, perhaps, of marijuana use). However, a rather disturbing trend in the form of the teen substance abuse of legal substances is becoming more apparent. Rather than getting illicit drugs, many teenagers, troubled teen and non-troubled teen alike, are turning to the medicine cabinet. It is easier to get these drugs (they can get prescription meds from parents and over the counter drugs from the store) and other substances to abuse. Some of this teen substance abuse comes in the form of "huffing" common household products.
Because these are legal substances, and easy to come by, many teenagers mistakenly think that they are "safer" than illegal drugs. However, many of these substances can be quite dangerous or deadly on their own, and when they interact with other substances can be even deadlier.
Party drugs like ecstasy can cause serious problems for teenagers
One does not have to be a troubled teen to use party drugs. Indeed, teen drug use at parties is often considered a socially acceptable way to have fun. One of the most dangerous aspects of teen drug abuse of party drugs is the fact that teenagers do not perceive the drugs as dangerous. This is even true regarding the popular party drug ecstacy (MDMA). It is important that teenagers understand the dangers of party drugs.
Dangerous effects of party drugs like MDMA
One of the biggest problems that teenagers face when involved in teen drug use is impaired judgment. Also, alcohol can enhance the effects, or even make party drugs more dangerous. Overdose on party drugs can lead to serious illness, or even death. Addiction is also an issue that can turn a "normal" teen into a troubled teen.
Stimulants are an especially pressing teen drug use problem because not all teenagers that use them can be considered a troubled teen. Stimulants are just what they sound like: they "stimulate" the brain, causing an increase in attention (and often focus, which is why they are used to treat ADHD), energy and alertness. However, stimulants also elevate the blood pressure and boost heart rate and respiration. An addiction to stimulants can lead these conditions to become dangerous to one's health--and even one's life.
Even teenagers who are not considered troubled teen candidates may consider the use of stimulants. This is because many stimulants are prescribed for a variety of medical conditions, and their legality sometimes leads teenagers to believe that their teen drug use is not dangerous. Others use stimulants as a "tool" to help them "get ahead" in school. By helping them focus better, and by providing energy to stay up late and study, teenagers feel they are gaining an edge, and don't look at stimulants as a teen drug abuse issue.
