What Is Teenage Substance Abuse?

You are 15, abstaining from substances. You're invited to a party, and go because you like to feel included. By the end of the night, you have given in to peer pressure and drank. On this night, a long life of alcohol problems was first introduced. Alcohol problems is just one of many harmful side effects from teen substance abuse. Substance abuse is the use of overuse of alcohol, tobacco products, or drugs. Teen substance abuse is committing those actions when of the teenage age. Teenage substance abuse will continue to be a significant part of society; therefore, parents, and teens themselves, need to be informed on what causes it, what the effects on the victim and his or her family, and the treatments that are available to help the victim,
and preserve a sustainable future.

Teenage substance abuse is an ongoing problem in todays society, and there are many causes to it.
Teenage substance abuse is the use of alcohol, tobacco or drugs when still a teenager. According to Joseph A. Califano Jr., the President Chairman of the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse, or CASA, "The road to a drug free America is through our children" (Raphel 1). This quote from Califano suggests that to eliminate the general substance abuse in America, it starts by teaching children at a young age what is wrong and what is right. Parents may have a positive, or a negative effect on their children. Substance abuse from parents can make an impact on children, substance abuse wise. According to the Institute of Addictions at the University of Buffalo, children of parents with alcohol problems are at greater risk for substance abuse (Lessard and Colder). This reference suggests that parents have a large impact on children, one way or another, and odds are that if you're the child of someone that abuses substances, you'll fall victim to the same bad habits they did. To conclude, substance abuse in teens can be traced back to the life provided by their family, whether that is nature or
nurture.

The use of substances as a teenager has many harmful side effects, some that can last a lifetime. When your body is still developing, and you throw substances in the mix, the result is nothing as it should be. According to the Addiction Center, many harmful effects can come from underage substance abuse, for example, it can create memory problems, ingrain expectations of unhealthy habits, and reduce the ability to experience pleasure, just to name a few ("Health Effects" 1). This suggests that effects that can come from substance abuse in the developing years can impact you for the rest of your life. Some of these effects do harm to your brain. According to Dr. John Allen, a psychiatrist at Aurora Pavilion Behavioral Health Services, "The frontal area of the brain, which is involved with functions such as executive functioning and planning... is not developed in kids and alcohol effects that" (Turner 1). Not only does the use of substances in the early years affect the user, but it also affects the people around them, such as their family or friends. The Addiction Center gives possible effects of substance abuse as a teen, and among them, is damaged relationships with friends and family ("Health Effects" 1). Abusing substances has negative effects on teenagers who use it, that may cost them a life time of regret, and in the process, ruin their relationships with the people closest to them.

Substance abuse is not a lost cause, there is treatment that teens, along with anyone, can go through to recover.
One type of treatment available, of course is rehabilitation centers. There are different types of therapy, such as residential, which is three to six weeks, and therapeutic communities, were one would stay for six to twelve months ("Teen Substance"). This suggests that no matter the extent of your condition, there will always be treatment that will fit your situation and help you get better. Treatments are not all about mental strength, there is medication to help with withdrawal. Medication therapy is used to reduce the symptoms of withdrawal ("Teen Substance"). This is significant because in the recovering process, there is medication to help you not relapse and lose all of your progress. Addiction is a process that can relate to other situations. Bob Love, a former professional basketball player for the Chicago Bulls, suffered career-ending injury involving his back. Love had a stuttering problem that had troubled him all of his life. Love later persisted in demolishing this problem, and went on to become a motivational speaker ("Gateway Foundation 1). This is significant because a situation like this could be applied to substance abuse problems. Love strived and with ambition reached his goal. To conclude, with the right attitude along with the right treatment, teens, along with people of all ages, can overcome substance abuse
problems.

Overall, substance abuse in teens is a big part of lives across the country. That is why parents of teens, and teenagers themselves, should be well informed on the causes, effects, and treatments. Causes such as genetic, environmental and social, and effects that include brain issues, wasted potential, damaged relationships with friends and family, along with more. To treat teen substance abuse, there is numerous treatment centers and techniques available. If not, the brightest of teens may fall victim to the cruelness of society. Now, you are 45. You hate your low paying job, your family does not respect you, and the only thing getting you through is knowing you will have a drink at the end of the day. Your potential was lost, and you went on to live a life that was not meant for you, and it all started with one party.