Nationally, almost one-third of students used illegal drugs in the past year.
Parents, educators and other adults who work with young people need to understand the availability of illegal drugs and the early ages when some kids begin using them. Although the statistics are sobering, understanding the problem can improve communication between adolescents and their parents. Substance abuse remains a huge problem; about 2 million Americans between ages 12 and 17 can be considered drug- or alcohol-dependent.
Treatment
Addiction to a substance involves brain chemistry disorders. Environmental and genetic factors contribute to chemical dependency, including parental use of chemicals. Substance abuse treatment, like treatment for other medical issues, can help the user get better and stop abusing the substance.
Consequences
Substance abuse, especially heavy use, usually affects the young person's emotional and mental development. The consequences can include traffic accidents, behavior problems, truancy, criminal behavior, poor health, risky sexual behavior and relationship issues. School-related problems, such as poor grades, missing class and dropping out will cause future problems.
Prevalence of the Problem
According to the Centers for Disease Control, in 2009 about 24 percent of high school children reported at least occasional heavy drinking. During the same year, about one in five high school students used marijuana, and the same number took prescription drugs illegally.
Tags: Substance abuse, high school, illegal drugs, students used