Many teens in this generation struggle with drug a Essays

Many teens in this generation struggle with drug abuse. Drug abuse is the habit of taking addictive or illegal substances. When using, them they can cause serious health problems. It can also possibly ruin a life. What causes some teenagers to use drugs? Many factors contribute to the leading causes of drug abuse, a few are: easy access, social acceptance, and emotional issues. Why is substance abuse increasing throughout adolescents? Teens become curious to experiment with drugs when they hear about them and see them. It is possible for a teen to hear that a drug is fun and it could easily make a person feel good and act different. A teen could have had a close friend or family member using drugs, and while the teen saw someone close to them behaving odd, they became curious and decided that they wanted to see what it was like for themselves. Some of the places a teenager can find or get a substance are in the most common places. A lot of teens have an easy entry to drugs at home. "Teens say they can get prescription drugs easier than beer, marijuana, etc." ( Friedman) "Teens that know prescription drug abusers say that 34% get it from their parents, at home, or in the medicine cabinet. The other 31% said that they get it from friends or classmates." (Friedman) The study shows that teens have very easy ways to get ahold of drugs. It also makes it easier for kids to get a hold of drugs when their parents are lacking responsibility. "A few decades ago, parents used to have a lock on the liquor cabinet. Maybe there should be a lock on the medicine cabinet." Says CASA chairman Joseph Califano Jr. (Friedman) Parents even have the choice to help their kids be aware by teaching about how drugs are dangerous and harmful. A parent's job is to be there for their child and help them to not make the same mistakes they did. Parents should want their kids to grow up and become good role models that others will look up to. Parents who want their kid(s) to be successful and drug free need to also live a healthy life style, be a good role model, and set good standards for their children. "While it is critical that parents get involved in their children's lives, teens are not just abusing drugs because their parents are apathetic or poor role models." says Neil Bernstein, a clinical psychologist in Washington. (Friedman) There are many other explanations for causing drug abuse. Addiction is another example for the cause of drug use. Addiction is an uncontrollable need or want for use of a habit-forming substance. Someone who is hooked or addicted thinks that they will not function without this substance in their bodies. Every addictive substance induces pleasant states or relieves distress. Teens try a drug for the first time thinking that it is no big deal, that they are only doing it this once, and that it will cause no harm. When what they do not know is addiction of that drug runs strong in their family and has a lot of family history with addiction. Next thing they know, they are wanting to do it again and get the high they got before. "As with many other conditions and diseases, ability to addiction differs from person to person. Your genes, mental health, family, and social environment all play a role in addiction." ("Drug Abuse") Even if addiction doesn't show in the teen's life there are addictive personalities. This meaning still having the c haracteristic of an addict but without the actual substance abuse. "Drug abuse is less about the amount of substance consumed or the frequency, and more to do with the consequences of drug use." ("Drug Abuse") The consequences of using drugs can cause teenagers to start losing friends, failing school, and develop health problems. Adolescents start fading from family and friends because the drug changes their behavior, attitude, and emotions. However easy access is a cause of drug abuse, teens want to fit in or be accepted. Being a young adult in high school seems like nothing is more important than popularity