The primary factors that seem to affect increased drug use generally among teens are perceived risk, perceived social approval and perceived availability, according to the Adolescent Substance Abuse Knowledge Base, or ASK. Other, more specific risk factors include family problems and abuse, family history of alcohol or substance abuse, inconsistent discipline at home, psychological or learning problems, and poor impulse control.
Risk, Approval and Availability
"The more risky or less accepted a drug is thought to be, the less likely it will be used by teens," claims ASK. So it is no surprise that alcohol is the most commonly abused drug by adolescents. Marijuana has become prevalent among teenagers as well, and abuse of over-the-counter drugs continues to climb. ASK explains that "perceived availability is often associated with overall social approval, and so, a drug that’s readily available is considered socially acceptable and will likely increase in use." The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services conducted a study that found that adolescents who reported that illicit drugs were fairly easy or very easy to obtain were more likely to use drugs.
Family Risk Factors
Adolescents face a far greater chance of abusing substances if they suffer physical, sexual or emotional abuse. Having parents that abuse drugs or alcohol also increases the likelihood that children will abuse substances. TeenDrugAbuse.org reports that "children who live in violent households, or homes where one of the caretakers uses drugs or abuses alcohol, often sustain severe emotional trauma that can last a lifetime. Even if a parent's violent behavior or substance abuse occurred when a child was small, the child may still suffer repercussions during his or her adolescent years."
Peer and Community Factors
Drug abuse increases among teenage populations that face particular discrimination or other struggles. A study by Dr. Michael Marshal of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center revealed that gay and lesbian teens are 190 percent more likely to use drugs and alcohol than their heterosexual peers. Dr. Marshal attributes this finding this way: "Homophobia, discrimination and victimization are largely what are responsible for these substance use disparities in young gay people.”
References
- Adolescent Substance Abuse Knowledge Base: Factors of Teen Drug Use
- Adolescent Substance Abuse Knowledge Base: Availability of Illicit Drugs to Girls Ages 12-17
- Teen Drug Abuse: Drug Abuse and Addiction
- Teen Drug Abuse: Drug and Alcohol Abuse Among Gay Teens
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: Trouble in the Medicine Chest: Rx Drug Abuse Growing
