There are certain indicators that put a teen at higher risk for drug abuse, though some teen drug abuse is unpredictable. Specific interventions may be necessary to prevent a teen from turning to drugs. Taking proactive steps to prevent drug abuse by teens is vital, especially when factors are present that increase the likelihood of abuse. A comprehensive look at the teen's lifestyle and circumstances provides clues to causes of drug abuse.
Personality
A teenager's personality characteristics will play a role in whether she is likely to abuse drugs. Partnership for a Drug Free America suggests that teens may use drugs as a way to relieve their social anxieties, boost their confidence and overcome any inhibitions that keep them from fully interacting with their peers.
The MayoClinic.com points to low-self esteem and rejection by peers as reasons for teen drug abuse. These teens will turn to drugs as a way to overcome and cope with feelings of self-doubt and worthlessness.
Environment
Environmental factors play a major role in whether teens use and abuse drugs. According to the Partnership for Drug Free America, a teen's exposure to others who use drugs, including family members as well as peers, will increase the teen's risk of abusing drugs.
Also, a teen who resides in poverty will be more at risk for drug abuse, notes MayoClinic.com. Living in impoverished situations can make teens feel helpless and overwhelmed by how they live. These teens are often unable to see a way out of poverty. Therefore, drug abuse can provide teens with a quick way to escape poverty and forget about their situation while they are high.
Mental Illness
Teen's who abuse drugs often do so as a way to self-medicate both diagnosed and undiagnosed mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression, notes the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Noticing, diagnosing and treating mental health disorders in teens is essential; if they are not effectively treated, teens are very likely to begin using drugs as a way to cope with the symptoms. Drug use actually intensifies the symptoms of the mental health disorder, causing the teen to increase use and begin abusing drugs.
Perceived Lack of Risk
Many teens who abuse drugs are misinformed about the potential risks associated with the drugs. Prescription drug abuse is a huge phenomenon among teens and one of the reasons they abuse these drugs is because they feel prescription drugs are less risky than illicit drugs.
Also, the positive portrayal of drug use in the movies and media makes teens feel like drug abuse is acceptable and safe, reports the Partnership for a Drug Free America.
