Teen Substance Abuse Research Paper
Teen substance abuse continues to be a significant problem in US. While they may find new substances to abuse for time to time, teens are still using drugs and alcohol as an escape from the typical issues plaguing America's youth. Perhaps by taking an honest look at the numbers, we can all get some insight as to the depth of the problems and how we can best address them.
By the Numbers
There is no shortage of statistical data related to teen substance abuse. What seems to be most relevant is looking at recent trends, setting aside what happened in the past. Let's look at two current trends that affect both teens and young adults.
In recent years, prescription drugs have become the rage. We're talking about the abuse of important painkillers like Oxycontin, Percoset, Xanax and Vicodin. Each of these medications provide the user with a high that amounts to relaxation and an escape from reality. According to February 2016 report released by the Centers for Disease Control, …show more content…
That's one-third of all high school senior breaking the law and drinking. This isn't new information, but it indicates very little progress has been made towards battling teen substance abuse.
Dealing With Teen Substance Abuse
Neither parents, schools or local governments seem to be doing enough to combat the problems related to teen substance abuse. In increasing numbers, kids find themselves with very little supervision, other than their smart phones and gaming systems. Communication between teens and adults seems to have broken down.
If teens won't listen to directives from responsible adults, there's only one alternative. We have to do more in the way of education. Teens need to know the truth about how drugs and alcohol will threaten their future, not to mention their health and lives.
Treatment For Teen Addiction
By the Numbers
There is no shortage of statistical data related to teen substance abuse. What seems to be most relevant is looking at recent trends, setting aside what happened in the past. Let's look at two current trends that affect both teens and young adults.
In recent years, prescription drugs have become the rage. We're talking about the abuse of important painkillers like Oxycontin, Percoset, Xanax and Vicodin. Each of these medications provide the user with a high that amounts to relaxation and an escape from reality. According to February 2016 report released by the Centers for Disease Control, …show more content…
That's one-third of all high school senior breaking the law and drinking. This isn't new information, but it indicates very little progress has been made towards battling teen substance abuse.
Dealing With Teen Substance Abuse
Neither parents, schools or local governments seem to be doing enough to combat the problems related to teen substance abuse. In increasing numbers, kids find themselves with very little supervision, other than their smart phones and gaming systems. Communication between teens and adults seems to have broken down.
If teens won't listen to directives from responsible adults, there's only one alternative. We have to do more in the way of education. Teens need to know the truth about how drugs and alcohol will threaten their future, not to mention their health and lives.
Treatment For Teen Addiction