There is no simple answer to why a teen might begin using drugs or alcohol. Many times, it is a combination of several things. They may turn to drugs to escape stress or loneliness or to overcome shyness in social situations. They may want to be seen as grown up, or they may simply be curious. Teens often want to be like their role models as well; so, if their favorite music group or a “cool” friend at school uses drugs or alcohol, they may also use drugs or alcohol to be like them. (Teen Health) Adolescence is often a time of low self-esteem, which can develop as a result of not being able to grow and change as quickly as desired.
A young person with low self-esteem may feel they are not as smart, attractive, talented or popular as their friends. They may also feel pressured by parents, teachers or others to achieve goals. To help deal with the pressure, a young person with low self-esteem may be more likely to put aside his/her good judgment and turn to drugs or alcohol to escape. (Teen Health) Drug use in America is extremely high, even more when it comes to teens. Overall drug use did not increase between 1999 and 2000. While there was improvement among the youngest age group (ages 12-17), increases were seen in the use of the drug Ecstasy. The proportion of 8th graders said ecstasy use in the last 12 months rose from 1.7 percent in 1999 to 3.1 percent in 2000.
Among 10th graders, Ecstasy use rose from 4.4 percent to 5.4 percent; and among 12th graders, from 5.6 percent to 8.2 percent. (2/3 Teens try drugs) A survey released in 2002 from the Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) at Columbia University indicates that 95 percent of teens that smoke cigarettes start at or before age 15. Ninety three percent of teens that drink alcohol start at or before the age 15. In addition, 86 percent of teens that smoke marijuana start at age 15. (CASA) If a parent suspects that their teen is using they may feel the need to catch them. So, they search their room, or control their activities and friends.
The Essay on Marijuana Effects Drug Percent
Marijuana - often-called pot, grass, reefer, weed, herb, Mary Jane, or mj - is a greenish-gray mixture of the dried, shredded leaves, stems, seeds, and flowers of Cannabis sativa, the hemp plant. Most users smoke marijuana in hand-rolled cigarettes called joints, among other names; some use pipes or water pipes called bongs. Marijuana cigars called blunts have also become popular. Marijuana is ...
Which are normal feelings, after all parents want their kids to be safe. However, it might be more helpful to talk with them and let them know of the changes they have observed and what the cause is. (Alcohol and drug abuse Commission) Preventing teen drug use is possible; parents and guardians need to learn the warning signs and dangers. They may ask themselves, how can I know if my teen is using? Well, here are some warning signs: Mood swings Personality changes Self-centered Change in dress or friends School problems Being paranoid (Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission) (Independent School District 196) Some physical symptoms are: Change in appearance Bloodshot eyes Consistently dilated pupils Dizzy spells, shaky hands Always tired (Independent School District 196) You cant just give up if you know your teen is using drugs. There are many associations that deal with teen drug use. Here is a list: Drug hotlines Local emergency health clinics Local health departments Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous Family doctor (Teen Health) There is no simple answer to why a teen might begin using drugs or alcohol. But, teen drug use in America is a problem and it cannot be ignored. Parents need to look for warning signs.
Something little like smoking marijuana can turn into something big like being addicted to crack/cocaine. It is never to late to educate children about drug use. (CASA).
The Dissertation on Palos Teen Killed Parents: Sheriff
Palos teen killed parents: Sheriff | | | | | | Image 1 of 3 Join the conversation | by Laura Bollin staff reporter A 17-year-old Stagg High School senior was charged Tuesday with the murders of his parents, whose bodies were found inside their Palos Township home Sunday morning. John M. Granat, 17, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder in the slaying of his parents. John Granat, 44, ...
