“Teenage Use And Abuse Of Drugs And Alcohol“

3 Pages 639 Words

“Teenage use and abuse of Drugs and Alcohol”

I have learned a few things in my experience with drugs and alcohol, one of which the difference between experimentation, use, and abuse of drugs and alcohol. I see the differences as follows; three tries are experimentation, more than that is use. Abuse is characterized by the need to have the drug (whether it is marijuana, cocaine, alcohol, or tobacco) and the preoccupation with getting it.
I have also learned that some of my peers are more likely to be attracted to and hooked on drugs, nicotine, and alcohol. I have concluded that the risk increases with these following factors and that more than one of these can “tip the scales.”
1. A family history of drug use or alcoholism
2. A family in turmoil
3. Learning difficulties
4. Behavioral problems before adolescence
5. Early school failure
6. Hyperactivity
7. Poor impulse control
8. Rebelliousness
9. Low self-esteem
10. The belief that “it can’t happen to me”
11. Thinking that marijuana (or cocaine, or heroin if it is not injected) is not addictive
Although I do not believe that these are the reasons why I have used drugs and alcohol, I do believe that these have not helped me to “just say no.”
In my years of use I have often seen warning signs in friends, that could have helped their parents notice what was going on. Instead of noticing the warning signs, listed below, they found out the hard way, through the law.
The warning signs I personally have noticed in teens using drugs (including myself) are as follows.
1. A change of friends from those you know and a new friend who seem to avoid you. But don't pin all of teens troubles on "bad friends." Often the child who is already troubled is the one who is drawn to a group that is taking dangerous risks and is heavily committed to using drugs and alcohol.
2. Friendship with older teenagers and young adults. ...