When you think of the problems and stresses teens face, you probably think of things like grades, friends, getting into college, or dating. However, for many teens, addiction to drugs or alcohol is a real problem that can ruin their lives if not taken care of.
There are a number of things that can lead to teen substance abuse. Some of the more common ones are:
• Stress. Teens face stress just like adults do. Dealing with things like getting into the right college, grades, fitting in with friends, and dating relationships can cause great amounts of stress in teens. Some of them turn to drugs or alcohol to help them deal with the pressure.
• Peer pressure. Friends are a huge influence on teens. Many teens with substance abuse problems got started by hanging out with a crowd that frequently drank or did drugs. Not wanting to feel left out, they participate and end up getting addicted themselves.
• Acceptance. Most high school kids want to be accepted by their peers, yet many find themselves alienated. Some turn to drugs and alcohol with the hopes that it will help them fit in. Or, they find that people who use are more accepting of them, and get caught up in their habits as well.
• Problems at home. Abuse, divorce, strained family relationships, and money problems are a reality for many families these days. Teens who live in environments like this may find themselves drinking or doing drugs to escape from their home life.
• Depression. Depression isn’t just an adult disease—teens with depression may find they feel better if they drink or use drugs to get high. To them, it helps deal with the depression they face each day and provides a temporary respite.
Teen substance abuse is a growing problem, and these are just some of the most common reasons teens start to use drugs or drink.