Adolescence substance abuse is a complex problem for the child and the parents. The younger the child is when the substance abuse starts the more difficult it is to resolve the problem. Parental involvement in a child's life is crucial to stopping and preventing substance abuse. Peer pressure and rebellion typically lead to substance abuse. However, a strong parental presence will help work through these issues. The consequences for adolescent substance abuse will be compounded if not dealt with at an early age.
Health Consequences
A common result of adolescent substance abuse is poor health. Substance abuse causes many health issues depending on the drug of choice and route of administration. Intravenous use can lead to many blood born diseases such as hepatitis and AIDS. According to the Office of Justice and Juvenile Delinquency Programs, Transmission of HIV occurs by exposure to body fluids during sex or sharing dirty needles. Most drug-using youth display behavior placing them at a high risk of exposure to sexually transmitted diseases. Behavior caused by poor judgment and impulsive actions while taking mood-altering substances contribute to the increased risks. In addition, a high number of youths abusing drugs and alcohol are at an increased risk of suicide, murder, accident and illness.
Social Consequences
Substance abuse by teens interferes with social interactions and negatively effects school work. Family problems arise from the child's drug use. The teen become rebellious and withdrawn from family relationships. In addition, legal problems seem to go hand in hand with teen drug abuse. According to Get Smart About Drugs.com, consequences many young drug users face are arrest, conviction and rehabilitation by the justice system. There is a definite link between drug use and delinquent behaviors. Substance abuse and criminal behavior also relate to association with negative peers and trouble in school and home.
Addiction
The earlier a teen begins abusing drugs, the higher the risk of chronic addiction. Nobody sets out to become addicted to drugs, according to Get Smart About Drugs.com. However, it is a common occurrence. Addiction is an unhealthy need or desire for drugs. An addict loses control and exhibits faulty judgment when the drug is not available; the addict may suffer severe mental or physical symptoms. Anxiety and a general feeling of uneasiness set in; coming off opiates, for example, causes serious symptoms such as shaking, diarrhea, bone pain and seizures sometimes for days at a time. Chronic abusers of certain drugs experience changes in brain function---repeated exposure to ecstasy may lead to loss of memory, depression and insomnia.
