Top 8 Reasons Why Teens Try Alcohol & Other Drugs

 

Other People – Teenagers see parents and other adults drinking alcohol, smoking, and sometimes, abusing other substances. The teen social scene often revolves around drinking and smoking pot. Sometimes friends urge one another to try a drink or smoke, but it’s just as common for teens to start using a substance because it’s readily available.  In their minds, they may see drug use as a part of the normal teenage experience.

Popular Media – Forty-seven percent of teens agreed that movies and TV shows make drugs seem like an OK thing to do, according to a 2011 study. Not surprisingly, 12-to-17-year-olds who viewed three or more “R” rated movies per month were seven times more likely to smoke cigarettes, six times more likely to use marijuana, and five times more likely to drink alcohol, compared to those who hadn’t watched “R” rated films (Amy Khan, 2005).

Escape and Self-Medication – When teens are unhappy and can’t find healthy outlets for frustration, they may turn to chemicals for solace. Depending on the substance they’re using, they may feel blissfully oblivious, wonderfully happy, or energized and confident. Teenage years may take an emotional toll, sometimes even causing depression, so given a chance to take something to make them feel better, many can’t resist.

Boredom – Teens who can’t tolerate being alone, have trouble keeping themselves occupied, or crave excitement are prime candidates for substance abuse. Not only do alcohol and marijuana give them something to do, but those substances help fill the internal void they feel. They provide a common ground for interacting with life-minded teens, a way to instantly bond with a group of kids.

Rebellion – Rebellious teens choose different substances to use based on their personalities. Alcohol is the drug of choice for an angry teenager because it frees them to behave aggressively. Methamphetamine, or meth, also encourages aggressive, violent behavior and can be far more dangerous and potent than alcohol. Marijuana may reduce aggression and is more of an avoidance drug. LSD and hallucinogens are also escape drugs, often used by young people who feel misunderstood and long to escape to a more idealistic world. Smoking cigarettes can be a form of rebellion to flaunt independence and make parents angry. Reasons for drug-use are as complex as teens themselves.

Instant Gratification – Drugs and alcohol work quickly. The initial effects feel good. Teenagers turn to drug use because they see it as a short-term shortcut to happiness.

Lack of Confidence – Shy teens who lack confidence report that they’ll do things under the influence of alcohol or drugs that they might not otherwise. That’s part of the appeal of drugs and alcohol even for relatively self-confident teens; you have the courage to dance if you’re a bad dancer or sing at the top of your lungs even if you have a horrible voice. Alcohol and other drugs tend not only to loosen inhibitions but to alleviate social anxiety. Not only does it create something in common with other people, but there’s the mentality that if you do or say anything stupid, everyone will just think you had too many drinks or smoked too much weed.

Misinformation – Perhaps the most avoidable cause of substance abuse is inaccurate information about drugs and alcohol. Nearly every teenager has friends who claim to be experts on various recreational substances and they’re happy to reassure them that the risks are minimal. Educate your teen about drug use so they get the real facts about the dangers of drug use.

(Tips and information courtesy of “How to Keep Your Teenager Out of Trouble and What to Do if You Can’t,” by Dr. Neil I. Bernstein)