Drug abuse occurs when mind-altering drugs are used excessively or in an otherwise irresponsible manner. Teenage drug abuse can lead to health problems, addiction, legal troubles and problems at home, work and school. Learning to recognize the signs of drug abuse in teens allows parents and caregivers to address problems earlier to prevent further complications.
Causes/Risk Factors
The exact cause of drug abuse and addiction is not completely understood. A complex combination of genetic factors and environmental influences like peer pressure and childhood trauma is thought to play a role in most cases.
Having an underlying psychiatric disorder like anxiety or depression can prompt drug users to self-medicate in an attempt to control their symptoms. Other contributing factors include problems with impulse control, age of first use and the addictive effects of the drugs themselves.
Signs and Symptoms
Drug abuse can affect every aspect of a teen's life, including mood, behavior, appearance, lifestyle, and performance in school and extracurricular activities. Even so, not all teen drug abusers exhibit obvious signs at first. When symptoms become apparent, they often include changes in eating and sleeping patterns, mood swings and loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities.
Signs of drug abuse vary greatly depending on which drug is being abused. Paranoia, irritability and increased energy are common effects of stimulant abuse, while drowsiness, clumsiness and memory problems often result from depressant drug use.
Health Effects
All drugs are capable of causing immediate and long-term health consequences. According to TeensHealth, stimulants like amphetamines and cocaine can cause heart attack even after only one use. Depressants are frequently involved in overdose deaths due to their ability to cause respiratory depression and cardiac arrest, especially when taken with other depressants like alcohol. MDMA---also known as ecstasy---raises body temperature, which can lead to fatal overheating and dehydration.
Prevention/Solution
Educating teens about the dangers of drug abuse is the most effective method for preventing the problem. Prevention programs that incorporate media, parents, caregivers and community leaders are often successful in influencing the behaviors of kids and teens.
Teenagers who abuse drugs can find help from inpatient treatment facilities, detoxification programs and support groups for young substance abusers. Close parental involvement in the everyday activities of children is vital for both prevention and recovery.
Considerations
In some instances, signs of drug abuse can mimic those of other conditions like bipolar disorder or anxiety. Teens who exhibit changes in mood, sleeping or eating habits should be evaluated by a professional to rule out mental health disorders.
