Alcohol and drugs have mind- and mood-altering effects. In teenagers, drugs and alcohol are particularly harmful due to their effects on the developing nervous system. In addition to their negative health effects, drugs and alcohol can cause secondary damage by causing self-injury and impaired judgment. Understanding the risks of alcohol and drugs allows teens to make smart decisions and prevent unnecessary harm.
Statistics
Despite the well-known health dangers, drugs and alcohol continue to pose a significant health risk to adolescents and teenagers. According to Students Against Drunk Driving, three out of four teens drink alcohol by the end of high school, while 50 percent take an illegal drug by the end of grade 12.
Signs and Symptoms
While the signs of drug and alcohol use vary from person to person, some basic characteristics are common among most users. Slurred speech, coordination loss and red eyes are common signs of drunkenness. Chronic alcohol abuse often causes changes in mood, such as irritability or depression, as well as worsening performance in school and extracurricular activities.
Changes in appetite, sleeping patterns and energy levels are common signs of drug abuse. Depending on the drug, changes can include an increase or decrease in appetite, more or less sleeping, and excessive sedation or stimulation. The presence of paraphernalia like rolling papers, plastic baggies and syringes are tell-tale signs of drug use that require immediate action.
Health Dangers
Alcohol and drug use carries serious health consequences. Stimulants like cocaine and amphetamine stress the cardiovascular system, increasing the risk for heart attack and stroke. Opiates and depressants can cause fatal respiratory depression or cardiac arrest, especially when taken together or mixed with alcohol. In addition to health risks like organ damage and overdose, substance abuse can cause indirect harm by altering judgment and perception. According to Teens Health, teenagers who drink are more likely to injure themselves, engage in unsafe sex and be involved in violent crimes like homicide or suicide.
Prevention/Solution
Spreading awareness about the dangers of alcohol and drugs is the best way to prevent substance abuse in teenagers. Educational programs that use media resources, parents, teachers, law enforcement and community leaders are most effective in influencing the behaviors of teens and adolescents. Honest discussion about the health risks, legal consequences and social effects of drug and alcohol use can help guide teenagers toward a sober lifestyle.
Considerations
Some of the signs and symptoms of substance abuse can mimic those of other conditions. Teenagers who exhibit troubling behaviors like mood swings, compulsive behavior or suicidal thoughts should see a mental health professional.
