Many parents believe that teen substance use is just part of
growing up and is not a problem unless it "gets out of hand." It is true that
most teens do not have problems after experimenting with alcohol, cigarettes,
inhalants, or other drugs. But all substances abused by teens stimulate the
part of the brain that regulates pleasure, memory, learning, and emotions. The
effects cause changes in a teen's alertness, perceptions, movement, judgment,
and attention, making the teen more likely to:
- Engage in high-risk behaviors. Alcohol and drug
use is a leading cause of death and disability from car crashes,
suicide, violence, and drowning. Unprotected sex can lead to pregnancy and
sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV.
- Use other drugs.
Teens who use one substance are more likely to use others. Alcohol, cigarettes,
and marijuana are considered gateway drugs, because teens who use these
substances are more likely to begin using other drugs.
- Be involved
in violent crime or homicide.
- Commit suicide.
- Have
difficulty at school or even drop out of school.
- Have legal
problems, which may lead to jail sentences.
- Suffer health problems
as a direct consequence of drug use. Heavy use of some drugs, such as ecstasy
or methamphetamine, may cause permanent brain damage. In rare cases, even
casual or first-time use of drugs such as inhalants, cocaine, or heroin can
lead to sudden death.
Teen substance use can progress from occasional use
(experimenting) to regular or frequent use, abuse, or physical and/or
psychological dependence (addiction). If dependence develops, the teen may have
problems maturing, resulting in difficulty establishing personal identity,
forming healthy relationships, gaining physical and emotional independence, and
preparing for the future.
The most serious consequence of teen
substance use is the risk of addiction. Teens are at high risk for early
development of addiction, especially if they start using drugs at a young age.
In adults, addiction to a substance usually develops slowly, but a teen may
rapidly progress from occasional use to addiction. Alcohol dependency and drug
dependency require treatment for the person to stop using the substance.
Recognizing the risk factors and signs of substance use can help you deal with
a problem early, reducing your teen's risk for becoming addicted.
Which of the following can be affected if a teen
abuses substances?
This answer is
incorrect.
A teen's ability to complete developmental
tasks can be affected by substance abuse. If a teen becomes addicted, he or she
may stop maturing, resulting in difficulty establishing personal identity,
forming healthy relationships, gaining emotional independence, and preparing
for the future. All answers are correct.
This answer is
incorrect.
The teen may engage in other high-risk
behaviors. The teen is more likely to ride in a car with someone who has been
drinking or using drugs and is more likely to engage in unsafe sexual activity,
which may lead to pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV.
All answers are correct.
This answer is
incorrect.
The ability to learn and succeed in school is
affected if a teen abuses substances, because these substances affect memory,
learning, attention, and judgment. Teens who abuse substances have difficulty
in school and may even drop out. All answers are correct.
This answer is
incorrect.
Health and physical safety can be affected if a
teen abuses substances. Even casual or first-time use of some substances can
lead to permanent brain damage or sudden death. Also, car crashes are a
leading cause of death among teens, and substance use is often involved in
these crashes. Also, teens who abuse substances are at risk for being
involved in homicides or committing suicide. All answers are correct.
