Alcohol and drug use in adolescence can lead to development delays in addition to creating a host of other problems for teenagers. According to the University of Minnesota, teenage alcohol and drug abuse is a major social ill that, when caught early, can lead to successful intervention and treatment. Education and early intervention already have shown declines in teen substance abuse in the 2000s, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
Risks
While experimentation is common among teenagers, those at risk of becoming addicted to alcohol and drugs include teens with a family history of drug abuse and kids who grow up with drinking and drug use common in their households. According to the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychology, teens with low self-esteem and a tendency toward depression also are at risk for developing a dependence on drugs and alcohol.
Identification
Parents, teachers and school counselors can intervene when they perceive various symptoms of substance abuse. According to the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychology, teens using drugs or alcohol often develop a persistent cough and complain of being sick more often. They may change the way they dress and appear uninterested in activities they previously enjoyed. Teens with a substance abuse problem usually develop a negative attitude toward school and withdraw from friends and family members.
Types
The most common drugs abused by teens are marijuana and alcohol, according to the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychology. The average age when teens first try marijuana is 14, while 12-year-olds most often begin experimenting with alcohol. Legal and illegal drugs are commonly used in adolescent circles. Drugs commonly available through legal channels include alcohol, inhalants, diet medications and over-the-counter sleep and cold medicines. Common illegal drugs used by teens include cocaine, marijuana, opiate and designer drugs, such as Ecstasy.
Effects
The effects of substance abuse on teenagers are substantial. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 41 percent of automobile accidents involving teens resulted from alcohol abuse. Drug abuse often leads to risky behaviors that lead to increased reports of HIV infection, hepatitis C and pregnancy. The effects of long-term drinking can lead to liver and cardiovascular disease, emotional disorders and cancer.
Treatment
Treatment must be geared specifically to teenagers in order to achieve an effective measure of success, according to researchers at the University of Minnesota. While adults typically abuse one particular substance, teens who drink alcohol are more likely to abuse illegal drugs as well, including marijuana, prescription drugs and harder drug such as cocaine and heroin. Additionally, adolescents develop habitual patterns and addiction quicker than adults because of their immature physiology. Finally, many teens experiment with drugs, leading to the need for additional diagnostic tools to assess the level of addiction.
