The Effects Of Drug Abuse Among Adolescents - 1423 Words

Drug abuse among adolescents is a growing problem in the United States with a staggering amount of teens falling victim to the vicious cycle of drug abuse. Teens are subjected to pressure from their peers and have the misconception that using drugs are cool and free of consequences. Therefore, teens begin to experiment with drugs and alcohol at an early age and often times don’t think about the negative stigma associated with drug abuse. Unfortunately, even casual use of drugs and alcohol can cause severe and long term health problems, such as an overdose or brain damage. Also, both legal and illegal drugs can have an effect on the teen’s mood, ultimately leading to depression, which places the teen at risk for suicide. Marijuana also†¦show more content†¦(National Institute on Drug Abuse Press Release, 12/18/13) What is Drug Abuse? Drug abuse is the habitual taking of addictive legal or illegal drugs. Compulsive, excessive use of habit forming drugs or substances may lead to addiction, which may cause damage to kidneys, liver, heart and other internal organs or dysfunctional behavior or death. Teenage drug abuse is an ongoing issue that can result from a number of influences, such as catastrophic events and mental health disorders. When a person subjects their body to drugs the impact can be devastating and lifelong, their physical health begins to deteriorate and their bodies become prone to viruses and infections. Addiction According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, drug addiction is a chronic disease characterized by drug seeking and use that is compulsive, or difficult to control, despite harmful consequences. The initial decision to take drugs is voluntary for most people, but repeated drug use can lead to brain changes that challenge an addicted person’s self-control and interfere with their ability to resist intense urges to take drugs. These brain changes can be persistent, which is why drug addiction is considered a â€Å"relapsing† disease-people in recovery from drug use disorders are at increased risk for returning to drug use even after years of not taking theShow MoreRelatedThe Psychological Effects Of Adolescent Substance Abuse1469 Words   |  6 PagesAdolescent substance abuse is one of the largest issues faced by our society today. According to Teenrehab.com, nearly 50% of all high school seniors have abused some form of illicit substance and according to Nationa l Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism nearly 70% of 18 year olds have at the least tried alcohol. Many more adolescents are trying, and getting addicted to, drugs every year. In my opinion this is one of the most critical issues that we have to address as a society. 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