Teenage Drug Abuse – A Growing Problem
Teenage drug abuse is a growing problem in the United States and is affecting millions of teens and young adults every year. However, what many parents may not be aware of is the prevalence of drug abuse in their communities. While they may think drug use is only affecting poor socio-economic communities they may be surprised to realize how many dangerous drugs are being used by teens in their own backyards. To better understand teenage drug and alcohol abuse it is important for parent’s to be up-to-date with the latest statistics on teenage drug and alcohol abuse so that they accurately know the dangers first hand.
Teenage Drug Usage Rates
According to the latest studies done as of 2013, the correlation between teenagers and drug abuse is staggering. In the latest studies, youths between the ages of 12-17 have seen the largest rates of drug abuse in young adults, with almost 60% being dependent on or have abuse drugs at some point. This is significantly higher than any other age group, with young adults between the ages of 18-25 only reporting rates of about 37%. Adults 26 or older show the smallest percentage at only 24.3%. These startling statistics not only demonstrate a clear correlation between teenagers and drug abuse, but also demonstrates that teenagers are the most vulnerable and “at risk” age group for this destructive disease.
Most Common Drugs being used by Teens
According to the most recent statistics, the most common drugs teenagers are likely to abuse are alcohol and marijuana. By the time a teenager has reached the 12th grade, there is an 80% chance that your teenager has tried alcohol. There is also a 62% that your teenager has been drunk, with a 5% chance your teenage uses alcohol every day. Next to alcohol abuse, marijuana is the most common type of drug abused amongst teenagers, followed by pain killers, cocaine, and heroin. However, what may be most startling is that a large majority (57%) of teenagers admitting to drug use, claim it started after first using marijuana, giving evidence to the argument that marijuana is a potent gateway drug.
Most Effective Treatment for Teenage Addiction
It is important for parents to know that treating teenage drug addiction is not always the same as treating drug addiction in adults. Because teenagers have different emotional issues and needs, adolescents who are struggling with addiction often need a different type of therapy and counseling than their adult counterparts. Studies show that the most effective type of treatment for adolescences with drug abuse problems is not to necessarily send them away to some type of adult drug rehab facility, but to find a program that emphasizes family therapy as a major component. These programs will help teenagers and parents understand what the relational and systematic interactions between a stressful family life and drug abuse are, and how family problems such as divorce, death in the family, abuse, or a negative home environment can contribute to teenage drug addiction.
