Many teens experiment with substances but dont continue to use them.
This article reviews statistics, risk factors, health effects, signs, and treatment for teenagedrug addiction.
One group that they pay particular attention to is teens.
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Examples of prescription drugs teens may misuse include stimulants likeAdderalland benzodiazepines likeXanax.
What Causes Teens to Use Drugs?
The reasons why any person uses drugs are complex, and the same is true for teens.
In addition, teens often dont know or understand the dangers of substance abuse.
They may also assume that they can stop using if they want to.
Teens may use substances to self-medicate or numb emotional pain.
What Are the Effects of Using Drugs During Adolescence?
The body sends out a feel good chemical calleddopaminewhen using a substance.
This response tells the brain that it is worth using the substance again to get that feeling.
As a result, a person starts having cravings for the substance.
Teenagers who misuse substances can experience drug dependence (substance use disorder).
Developmentally, adolescents are at the highest risk for drug dependence and severe addiction.
What Are the Health Risks of Drug Abuse?
Smoking marijuana can also negatively affect lung health.
However, marijuana can be harmful to teens because their brains are still developing.
These drugs carry a high risk of overdose and death.
The annual rate of opioid overdose deaths for those aged 15 to 24 years is 12.6 per 100,000 people.
There can also be legal issues if a teen is using someone elses prescriptions.
These products may contain nicotine or other synthetic substances that damage the brain and lungs.
The teenage brain is vulnerable to the harmful effects of nicotine, including anxiety and addiction.
It causes decreased impulse control and poor decision-making.
Withdrawal symptoms from cocaine include restlessness, paranoia, and irritability.
Snorting cocaine can cause nosebleeds and a loss of smell.
Using cocaine can lead to heart attacks, lung problems, strokes, seizures, and coma.
It can also lead to brain swelling, seizures, and organ damage.
Using inhalants even once can lead to overdose, suffocation, seizures, and death.
What Are the Four Stages of Drug Addiction?
How Can Parents Prevent Teenage Drug Use?
While they may not express it, teens do value bonds with the adults in their lives.
Nurturing that connection with them includes being involved in their lives and having open, honest communication.
This dialogue builds trust and respect, making it easier for you to talk about difficult topics.
Giving teens your undivided attention, without distractions, helps them feel special and heard.
If your teen admits to using drugs,stay calm.
Be supportive and willing to listen.
Be clear that the risks of drugs are serious and that drug use will not be tolerated.
They can help connect you to resources and support you in taking more decisive action, like drug testing.
If you are having suicidal thoughts, dial988to contact the988 Suicide & Crisis Lifelineand connect with a trained counselor.
If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call911.
Talk to your teens healthcare provider about what treatment would be best for them.
National surveys from the National Institute on Drug Abuse show adolescent drug use rates have remained steady.
However, the surveys detected a shift in the types of drugs used by teens.
Alcohol is still the most often abused substance, but the rates are decreasing.
Instead, nicotine use and misuse of prescription medications are on the rise.
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