Is Your Teen At Risk for Drug Abuse?

There are many factors that play a part in whether a teen will become addicted to drugs. These risk factors include genetics, family environment, and school environment, among many others. Although no single factor determines whether a person will become addicted to drugs, the more risk factors an individual has, the greater the chance that taking drugs will lead to abuse and addiction.

In teenagers the area of the brain known as the pre-frontal cortex, is still developing the critical areas that effect their judgement, self-control and decision making. During this time they are more likely to make poor decisions that place them in harms way, such as experimenting with drugs. In addition the youth who experiments with drugs at this young age is much more likely to go on to develop an addiction. In fact the younger the child the more likely it is to progress into serious drug abuse.

Considering biology, the genetic make up of an adolescent can account for 40%-60% of their susceptibility to drug abuse. Teens who have mental health issues or have family members with addictions or mental disorders are at much greater risk of becoming addicted themselves.

Within the family environment, children's earliest interactions within the family are crucial to their healthy development and risk for drug abuse. The risk for drug abuse increases if the teen is exposed to family members who use drugs or participate in criminal acts. Furthermore the teen who is abused, whether sexually, physically or emotionally, is at much greater risk. A stressful family environment, parental neglect or lack of supervision, along with transition periods such as divorce or the changing of schools also increases risk. It is important for family to educate their teen on the dangers of drug use. Research shows that teens with families that talk about drug use and its harmful effects are 50% less likely to use drugs.

At school, academic failure and poor social skills create the risk for drug use. Peer pressure in adolescence creates an environment where a teen with low self esteem is easily swayed. These types of teenagers who are eager to "fit in" or to make friends might not take into consideration the risk involved. To them the "good" of forming a new friendship, out weighs the "bad" of using drugs. Even so, it is not just the youth that lacks self-confidence who is at risk. Many kids try drugs for the first time out of curiosity, just to see how it feels. Feelings of anxiety, depression and stress can also make teens turn to drugs to help them to feel better.

All teens experience stressful periods in their lives and at some point struggle with school work and friendships. Everyday teens are subjected to any number of critical changes in their lives, such as a death in the family or moving away from friends, to a new school. All of these factors can contribute to the increased risk of a teen using drugs. This is why it is so important that they be educated on the harmful effects that drugs can have on their brain and body. The teen who is educated is more likely to turn away from drug use. Education is vital. If parents, teachers, health care professionals and communities all take a part in helping to bring this information to our children, we can hope to see a decrease in the number of teenagers using and abusing drugs.

Fact for the day: A survey from NSDUH (National Survey on Drug Use and Health) indicates that 4.0 percent of youth ages 12 to 17 reported non-medical use of prescription medications in the past month.Sources:NIDA, PATS, and NSDUH