In the modern society, many teens seem to think that trying drugs and alcohol is a key part of growing up. They ignore the significant risk to themselves and their families in addition to a number of disastrous consequences.
Often teens start the use of drugs through prescription medication and then they start using them for recreational purposes. Many teenagers begin experimenting with illegal drugs when a group of friends hears a song that references drug abuse and becomes curious. Some even discover drugs by stealing from their parents’ medicine cabinets. No matter how an adolescent first begins substance abuse, teenage drug addiction is a very real risk because it can change their whole life.
There are two types of drugs: drugs and non-medical drugs. Medicines or drugs are used to relieve pain; getting rid of cough; kill harmful bacteria; reduce swelling etc. These are legal and prescribed by doctors.
For example, prescription drugs like Adderall and Ritalin are commonly prescribed for adolescents with Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder or ADHD. Teens taking these drugs often find they enhance their ability to focus on school projects and academic performance. Unfortunately, many teens who are not prescribed these drugs abuse them, thinking they will see the same benefits.
On the other hand, non-medical narcotics are those that are taken because of their effects on the body and mind. These are illegal substances for the physical and mental impact that is introduced into the body through smoking, injection or eating.
The effects of these drugs may include stimulating or calming, slowing the mind – a temporary increase in physical fitness in exercise, a feeling of emotional well-being, or muscle building. Non-medical drug abuse is known as substance abuse, which is illegal and can cause physical and mental harm.
When an addict is taking a narcotic, the feelings and mental state, he/she exhibits are often very different from that person’s actual normal life behavior. Some illegal drugs are LSD, mescaline or Schedule I, amphetamines, cocaine, narcotics or Schedule II, and heroin (hard drug). Tobacco and alcohol are also non-medicinal drugs. When a person starts using these narcotics, they become dependent on them and later become addicted if they cannot stop using the drugs.
There are drugs and addicts all over the world. Teenagers and young adults in particular are quickly caught up in substance abuse. This is due to their curiosity, the feeling of inferiority; drug addict friends, busy parents, lack of love, and pessimistic thoughts to name a few.
Unfortunately, drug addiction during teenage can set the stage for a lifetime of abuse and dependence. Luckily, there is hope. The earlier an addiction is treated, the easier and more successful treatment is likely to be.
It is important for parents to recognize the signs and stop the substance use disorder now before it progresses into something more severe. Contact a treatment provider as soon as possible to discover teen-friendly rehab facilities that can provide guidance and help.