Involvement in alcohol and drug use at an early age can result in harmful long-term effects in a person's life. The Office of National Drug Control Policy reports the earlier drug use is started, the more likely problems will develop later. The negative consequences of substance use in kids are not limited to the individual child but also affect families and society as a whole.
Sudden Death
Drugs and alcohol are toxic substances for anyone, but especially for kids. Also, due to a child's size, his body can quickly become intoxicated with drugs or alcohol. This puts children who use at higher risk for sudden death or overdose.
In addition, drug and alcohol use results in 50 percent of the deaths by accidents, homicides and suicides in people ranging in age from 15 to 24, notes the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, or AACAP.
Dependence
According to KidsHealth, when kids begin drinking alcohol at a young age, their risk of developing alcoholism increases. Many kids report having their first drink of alcohol on or before the age of 10, notes KidsHealth. If alcoholism develops in the long term, these people will lose control over their alcohol intake and be unable to stop drinking, despite the negative impact it is having on their achievements, health and relationships.
Similar to alcoholism, kids who use drugs can easily become addicted to such substances. The AACAP reports that experimentation with drugs can easily and rapidly change into a dependency on the drug.
Disorders
Substance use among children can trigger the onset of mental health issues such as anxiety disorders, depression and bipolar disorder, notes the AACAP. Also, drug and alcohol use in kids can mask the presence of other mental health disorders, which will keep them from getting the treatment they need. As a result, their symptoms will become more severe.
Health
Drug and alcohol use at a young age can leave kids at a greater risk for developing health problems, notes the AACAP. Kids who use drugs and/or alcohol over the long run can be exposed to blood-borne infections, such as HIV, either through intravenous drug use or risky sexual behaviors triggered by substance intoxication. In the long term, drug and alcohol abuse can lead to various types of cancers, nutrition problems and damage to organs in the body.
Performance
Drug and alcohol use among kids will decrease their chances of success. According to the Office of National Drug Control Policy, when young people use substances with persistence, they will experience problems academically and socially. These problems can lead to lack of future career success and achievements.
Delinquency
The Office of National Drug Control Policy reports that substance abuse among young people is linked to future involvement with the juvenile justice system. Kids who use drugs or alcohol will be more likely to experience arrest for substance use or other illegal behaviors and intervention from the justice system.
