The consequence of teen drug use, casual or otherwise, can be devastating. Teens are still maturing physically, emotionally and psychologically, which makes them even more susceptible than adults to the harm that drugs can cause. Although drug use damage can vary depending on the drug of choice, frequency of use, body size and chemistry, the facts remain the same: drug use wreaks across-the-board havoc to all areas of life.
Drugs Hijack Your Brain
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) reminds readers that all drugs work by rewarding a part of the brain's limbic system, whose job it is to process "rewards." In a healthy brain, when the neurotransmitter dopamine is released, a feeling of pleasure tells the brain to take notice and remember. Drugs essentially flood the brain with dopamine, causing a "high" that takes over the reward system. Over time the brain can become dependent on this artificial way of receiving dopamine.
Even drugs like inhalants, which can include household cleaners, markers and aerosols, may seem harmless but in reality can be quite dangerous where the brain is concerned. While the chemical vapors in inhalants work to create a "high," NIDA point out that the other chemicals can cause the breakdown of myelin in the brain. This destruction of myelin can lead to central nervous system side effects like muscle spasms, tremors and difficulty with walking and talking.
Amphetamines, also known as uppers, speed, crystal meth and crank, are drugs that mimic the effect that adrenalin has on the body, according to TheGoodDrugGuide.com. Amphetamines are also present in ADHD medications like Ritalin. Their abuse can cause central nervous system problems, according to the TeenDrugAbuse.com website. The website cites a San Francisco General Hospital study, which found that 25 percent of teen seizures were caused by amphetamine use.
Drugs Ruin Your Health
Regular abuse of inhalants and other drugs can cause serious harm to vital organs besides the brain, according to NIDA. In fact, repeated drug use can cause sometimes permanent damage to the heart, kidneys and liver.
Drugs Wreck Relationships
Most teens don't start using drugs expecting to develop a substance abuse problem, according to the website Teen-Drug-Abuse.com. Teens who become addicted eventually alienate friends and family thanks to the unpredictable behaviors and mood swings that usually accompany drug use. Old friendships are replaced with artificial friendships with other drug users who work to support the habit. The problem is that few addicts recognize the relationship damage caused by drug abuse until it is too late---and formerly dear ties have been broken.
