Drug abuse amongst teenagers has reached its peak in recent years. Here in San Diego, drug use among teens booked into San Diego Juvenile Hall reached its highest rate since 2000, with 62% of those interviewed testing positive for an illicit substance last year. This is up 4% from the previous year, according to a report released by the San Diego Association of Governments.
Teens who abuse drugs may have a greater risk of developing an addiction when they are adults. Teen drug abuse can also have long-term cognitive and behavioral effects since the teenage brain is still developing. That’s why it’s important to know how to recognize and prevent drug use in teenagers as soon as possible. This can help end an emerging problem even before it starts. However, what are the indications of drug abuse in teenagers?
Common Drugs Teens Abuse
The drugs most commonly abused by teens aren’t much different from those abused by adults. But the reasons for abuse may be different, as teens often abuse a substance based on its accessibility. Some of them include:
- Alcohol
Alcohol is the substance most commonly abused by teens. This is largely due to the social acceptance linked to drinking. Teenagers are more likely to binge drink, which has a tendency to increase the risk of addiction and susceptibility of the brain.
- Marijuana
Marijuana is another regular amongst teenagers, as a good number of addicts testify to starting the use of Marijuana right from their adolescence.
- Prescriptions and over-the-counter medications
A good number of prescription drugs have intoxicating effects, and teenagers depend on this. It’s not uncommon to see teens who use a high dosage of Narcotic Painkillers for pleasurable effects.
Reasons for Drug Abuse in Teens
There are a number of reasons why teenagers abuse drugs, however, the most common reasons for abuse of drugs in teenagers include:
- Curiosity
- Peer pressure
- Stress
- A desire to escape.
Signs of Teen Drug Abuse
There are many signs that a teen is using drugs. It can be difficult to tell the difference between the spasms of adolescence and actual drug use, but parents and guidance can be actively involved in helping their teenagers walk through drug abuse. Some common signs of teen drug abuse include:
- Unusual tiredness
- Missing curfew
- Poor hygiene
- Avoidance of eye contact and secretive behavior
- Bad grades
- Bloodshot eyes
- Diminishing personal appearance
- Frequent hunger
- Laughing for no reason
- Loss of interest in activities
- Smell of smoke on breath or clothes
It’s important to note that the signs of drug abuse in teenagers aren’t restricted to the abovementioned.
Drug Abuse Treatment for Teens
Sadness and general unpleasant feelings is something most teenagers have to deal with through adolescence. It’s also understandable that there’s a general belief that drugs or alcohol can bring them the relief they seek. However, the true way to deal with life stress is by seeking emotional support and treatments.
Pacific Bay Recovery offers teenagers a drug rehab in San Diego that can help them receive all the support they need to get through their drug abuse problems. If you’re looking for alcohol treatment centers in San Diego suitable for your teenager, you should visit Pacific Bay Recovery today!
