Teens are more likely to develop a substance abusing habit with higher exposure to risk factors. Teenagers are those who just got transformed from children to adolescents. Therefore, they are not capable enough to cope up with risk factors and become victims of substance abuse. Below is the information on various risk factors faced by teenagers and the ways to deal with those risk factors.

Risk factors: The risk factors associated with childhood influences a teen greatly to take up illicit drugs or alcohol. Exposure to early childhood risks such as drug abusing family, lack of parental supervision and poverty makes a teen more prone to these unhealthy habits.

Teens who are suffering from mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety and conduct disorders, and rebelliousness are more likely to get into drug abusing habits. Situations in social environment such as poor classroom behavior, lack of social skills, academic failure, association with drug abusing peer group or easy drug availability can also encourage a person to take up these unhealthy habits.

Early substance abuse: Various studies have indicated that the involvement in drugs is higher in the stages of early childhood and early adolescence. In the early stages of developing drug abuse, teens generally begin with substances such as alcohol, inhalants, tobacco, marijuana and prescription drugs such as anti-anxiety medicines and sleeping pills. In the later adolescence, marijuana abuse may increase and advance to other illicit drug abuse.

Protective factors: In contrary to risk factors, protective factors are those which decrease the risk of drug abuse in teens. Acting as solutions for the problems posed by the risk factors, they create a positive environment for teens, thus protecting them from the risk of drug abuse.

The various protective factors are self-control, academic competence, anti-drug use policies, strong neighborhood attachment, strong bond between children and parents, parental monitoring and involvement in child’s life, consistent enforcement of discipline, and strengthening learning and bonding at school.

Intervention at right time: Various studies have found that children are more prone to risk of drug abuse during the transition periods from elementary to middle school and then to high school. Therefore, parental supervision should be high during these periods. Parents should continuously monitor the kids and support the kid at every stage of development to reduce the risk of drug abuse.

Parents should teach their kids on how to have positive interactions with other kids and adults. If parents are suspicious about their kid’s unhealthy habits, they should first confirm the substance abuse using drug testing kits available in the market. If they find that their kids are abusing drugs, parents should respond immediately. As parents, they should speak to their kids and discuss about unhealthy habits and their harmful consequences.

Family members, school authorities and community members should be aware of the risk and proactive factors (mentioned above) of substance abuse in teenagers. With this awareness, they can deal with teen substance abuse problem effectively.

Many students in the United States are abusing illicit drugs unaware of the harmful effects of these unhealthy habits. Substance abuse, whether it is habitual or occasional, not only impacts the health, but also has many other negative effects. Read through the article to know the facts and harmful effects of student drug abuse.

Drug abuse common in students

Young people are more vulnerable to drugs as they easily get attracted to the pleasure associated with the drug abuse. Furthermore, drug abusing friends and acquaintances in school have the greatest influence during adolescence.

According to the Monitoring the Future Survey 2010, about half (48.2%) of the 12th graders have used any illicit drug at some or the time in their lives. More than one-third (37%) of the 10th graders and one-fifth (21.4%) of the 8th graders reported that they have used an illicit drug at least once in their lives.

Brain still in developing stage

Adolescence is a critical period in everybody’s life. During this period, the brain is still in a developing stage. So, young people are often impulsive, aggressive, emotionally volatile and are likely to take risks due to immaturity. They are also at high risk of drug abuse with such juvenile attitude. Further, taking drugs at this stage may arrest brain development causing various problems.

Poor academic progress

There is a strong correlation between the student drug usage and declining academic performance. Substance abuse during adolescence may disrupt the brain function causing critical problems with respect to memory, motivation, judgment, learning and behavior control. Drug abusing students often skip classes and fail to complete assignments. A combination of these factors contributes to their poor academic performance at schools.

Health issues – short and long-term

Illicit drug usage causes serious short-term and long-term health issues. Dizziness, blurred vision, nausea, etc. are some of the immediate effects seen in drug abused students. The teen drug abuse is also associated with depression, improper perception, and rise in heart rate, anxiety and panic. However, these effects remain for shorter period. With continuous use of drugs for a long time, teens experience long-term health issues which include life-threatening problems such as heart attack, respiratory failure, cancer, etc.

Involvement in crime

Students habituated to illicit drugs are seen with an unexplained change in behavior and attitude. They are often hyperactive, aggressive, irritated and fight for trivial issues with their peers and others. They may also involve in criminal activities. In addition, they frequently get into trouble including accidents and illegal activities. So, student drug abuse increases safety issues at schools and society as well.

Drug testing at schools/homes

Conducting regular drug tests at schools or homes helps to decrease substance abuse among students. Different types of drug testing kits are designed for school and home use. They can be easily available in the market. The fear of being tested positive at home or school encourages a teen to avoid drug usage.

The above mentioned harmful effects clearly state that the issue of student drug abuse cannot be neglected. It is very important for parents and teachers to monitor kids’ regularly and take necessary precautions to prevent student drug abuse.