Author: Gary Jackson

Teen Drug Abuse: Signs, Risks, and Treatment

Teenagers in Arkansas are 24.84% less likely to have used drugs in the last month than the average American teen. Teenagers in Arizona are 9.05% less likely to have used drugs in the last month than the average American teen. Teenagers in Alaska are 25.67% more likely to have used drugs in the last month than the average American teen. Teenagers in Alabama are 16.10% less likely to have used drugs in the last month than the average American teen. For more information about opioids and overdose deaths, see our reports on Fentanyl Abuse and Drug Overdose Death Rates. Teenagers are exposed to various problems that many parents, teachers, and other adults may not understand or relate to.

Take a scientific journey to learn about the brain’s complex responses to specific drugs. When parents are angry or when teens are frustrated, it’s best to delay the talk. If you aren’t prepared to answer questions, parents might let teens know that you’ll talk about the topic at a later time. So if their friends use substances, your teen might feel like they need to as well.

Common Substances Abused by Teens

The most critical part of preventing teenage substance abuse is communication. By fostering trust and understanding, you can help them through difficult times. Proper communication can also help them develop healthy coping mechanisms.

The annual rate of opioid overdose deaths for those aged 15 to 24 years is 12.6 per 100,000 people.
This video for middle school students describes the effects of addiction and how getting high can take over your life.
This article reviews statistics, risk factors, health effects, signs, and treatment for teenage drug addiction.
Some teens may feel like nothing bad could happen to them, and may not be able to understand the consequences of their actions.
Teenagers in Illinois are 4.29% more likely to have used drugs in the last month than the average American teen.
Teenagers in South Carolina are 2.69% less likely to have used drugs in the last month than the average American teen.

Teenagers in Nevada are 22.98% more likely to have used drugs in the last month than the average American teen. Teenagers in Nebraska are 1.89% less likely to have used drugs in the last month than the average American teen. Teenagers in Montana are 39.58% more likely to have used drugs in the last month than the average American teen. Teenagers in Missouri are 10.39% less likely to have used drugs in the last month than the average American teen. Teenagers in Mississippi are 21.23% less likely to have used drugs in the last month than the average American teen.

Medical Professionals

Wanting to fit in with peers, feeling overwhelmed by their changing brains and bodies, and pressure to perform in school or sports are just a few reasons why teens may start experimenting with drugs. Teens may not seek drugs out but are instead introduced to substances by someone they know, such as a friend, teammate, or even a family member. High-risk drug use increases the likelihood that youth will engage in risk behaviors that can have dramatic, and lasting effects on their health and academic performance. This video for middle school students describes what Opioids are, why doctors prescribe them, and how they can be…

For example, they may not have adults present or younger teens may be relying on peers for transportation.
Teenagers in Kansas are 19.51% less likely to have used drugs in the last month than the average American teen.
Medications can be crushed and mixed into the trash (to keep them away from children and pets) or returned to your local pharmacy or community drug take-back program.