DRUGS

Reason #1

• Teens who don't see risk in using drugs are more likely to use drugs. Teens may also use drugs or alcohol to belong to a specific group
• Teens tend to have a hard enough time dealing with the pressures of studying and taking tests. Teens that experiment with drugs and alcohol almost always show a decreased performance in school. Drugs start to affect their performance in school and then later in life.

Reason #2

• Some teens turn to drugs and alcohol as a form of escapism. When they are sad or depressed they can see these substances as a way to forget and feel happier.
• On an opposite note, teens who use drugs and alcohol often experience a change in personality. They can become withdrawn, depressed and angry more easily.

Reason #3

• Teens may use drugs to experiment: Adolescents are often motivated to seek new experiences, particularly those they perceive as thrilling or daring.
• Substance abuse causes teens to get in trouble with the law. Teens may choose to steal to support their habit, or may become involved with violent acts or vandalism because of the people they spend time with. Drugs cause teens to make poor decisions, leading to things like drunk driving and fights.

Reason #4

• Teens that are given an allowance or have a job tend to get roped into drugs. Teens with $25 or more per week in spending money are twice as likely to smoke, drink and use illegal drugs.
• Drugs cause health problems like liver and kidney failure and irregular heart rate. Substance abuse also causes damage to the brain, including seizures, coma and memory loss. Teens put themselves at risk for accidental overdose and death every time they do drugs.

Reason #5

• Teens use drugs for a variety of reasons peer pressure. Kids who are dealing with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD are at a higher risk for a drug or alcohol problem.
• Teen drug abuse often leads to addiction problems as an adult. A report from the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse shows 90 percent of addicts in the U.S. began taking drugs, smoking or drinking alcohol in high school. If a student doesn't want to become an addict, they should skip the drugs in middle and high school.