Teen Drug Abuse free essay sample

Since the mid 19th century, drugs always have been part of human life. Drugs today affect most of the teenagers in our society. There are many reasons why teenagers justify their use of recreational drugs. Many believe that taking drugs can relieve them of boredom and also they believe it can help them cope with stress and make them feel happy. In my opinion everyone should stay far away from drugs, because drugs can have a very negative effect on their physical and also their mental health. If the teenagers take drugs it will definitely have a big effect on their physical life. Taking any kind of drugs can decrease a teenagers ability to pay attention and their speech. Each type of drug can affect the body in a different way. (C. Shell and Edward) mention that drugs can affect the body by changing the eye color to reddened whites, making you feel sleepy and also causing excessive hunger, lack of motivation, confusion and aggressiveness,(p4). The participants were about almost 4,000 students from 16 high schools from different races and ethnicity but about half of them identified themselves as white. The socioeconomic status varied widely. As their measure of survey they used the Daytona Area Drug Survey, which covered questions on different categories of drugs and their consumption over lifetime and 30-day timeframes. The answers the students could provide were basically on a linear spectrum on towards how infrequent to how frequently they used these drugs. They also used another screening test called CRAFFT, which is a test for problematic drug use in adolescents. According to the article, â€Å"problematic drug use is that which falls under (1) diagnostic criteria for drug use or dependence or (2) facilitates engagement in risky behaviors that do not rise to the level of disorder but threatens the user’s well being; such as unintentional sexual encounter or act, going to school â€Å"high. † Once the surveys had been scored and evaluated the results indicated that problematic drug use was not uncommon. Getting drunk on alcohol was the most common drug abuse practice and followed by tobacco, cigarettes, and marijuana in popularity of use. In conclusion, the drug use among high  school students is more prevalent than we have previously recognized. The results of the most used drugs are in consonance with other studies. The study implies that if the school is to confirm these findings, a survey should be given and prevention and intervention class strategies should be given to address these complex types of drug abuse. â€Å"After all, school is where many of these children can still be found and reached. † P2: Book According to the author in the textbook, substance use creates such impulsivity and aggressive behaviors that may contribute to the development of antisocial personality disorder (ASPD). Substance use goes on to affect our lives such as irresponsible behavior like failure at school and social functioning. If a teenager uses drugs, they will be exposed to antiosocial models and behaviors, which in the long term leads you to have a serious diagnostic disorder, if not treated. P3:Online Source As teenagers we usually don’t see how the actions of today will ripe consequences tomorrow. When it comes to drug abuse, the same way of thinking applies. Teenagers have this naive belief that we are indestructible and immune to the drugs side effects on our body and mind. What teenagers don’t realize most of the time is that some of the common drugs that are taken in high schools such as alchol and marijuana can be gateway drugs to other more hazardous drugs that can cause significant harm. Teenagers at risk for developing serious alcohol and drug problems include those with a family history of substance use disorders, are depressed, have low self-esteem and who feel like they don’t fit in. According to the American Academy of Child Adolescent Psychiatry, the drugs that are being abused can be both legal and illegal. Legal drugs available include alcohol, prescribed medications, inhalants, and over the counter cough, cold, sleep, and diet medications. The most commonly used illegal drugs are marijuana, stimulants (cocaine, crack, and speed), LSD, PCP, opiates, heroin and designer drugs (Ecstasy). Parents can prevent their children from using drugs by keeping an open line of communication with one another. Being a role model can be an inspirational catalyst to avoid drugs. If the parent already suspects drug abuse, it is important that they recognize and face the problem before it develops into a more negative situation. There are warning signs that a teenager may be abusing drugs or alcohol. Physically being tired, red and glazed eyes, emotional sudden changes, depression, starting family arguments, lack of interest in school and hanging out with new friends who are less interested in school and home activities are major signs that should not be ignored but faced before they make significant harm to themselves or those around them. P4: Online Source Drugs are chemicals. They work in the brain by tapping into the communication system and interfering with nerve cells that normally send, receive, and process information. Some drugs, like marijuana, activate neurons because their chemical structure acts like a natural neurotransmitter but the fact of the matter is that they are really not natural so the neurons end up sending abnormal messages through the brain. Other drugs, like amphetamines or cocaine, cause nerve cells to release excessive amounts of natural neurotransmitters. This leads to an exaggerated message in the brain that wreaks havoc with the communication channels. The difference is like someone whispering in your ear versus someone shouting in a microphone. The flood of dopamine, which is a compound present in the body, is what causes the â€Å"high† or euphoria that is associated with drug abuse. Drug addictions can be treated with behavioral based therapies in which people learn to change their behavior. For addictions to some drugs, medications can help. Treatment will vary for each person, depending on the type of drug being abused and the individuals’ specific situation. Conclusion In conclusion, with the immense information that is provided in regards to teen drug abuse and its effects, will better educate and prepare everyone involved with this unspoken epidemic.