Teens and drug use

Essay
   Teens and drug use

There is no simple answer to why a teen might begin using drugs or alcohol. Many times, it is a combination of several things.They may turn to drugs to escape stress or loneliness or to overcome shyness in social situations. They may want to be seen as grown up, or they may simply becurious. Teens often want to be like their role models as well. If their favorite music group or a "cool" friend at school uses drugs or alcohol, they may also use drugsor alcohol to be like them.
Adolescence is often a time of low self-esteem, which can develop as a result of not being able to grow and change as quickly asdesired. A young person with low self-esteem may feel they are not as smart, attractive, talented or popular as their friends. They may also feel pressured byparents, teachers or others to achieve goals. To help deal with the pressure, a young person with low self-esteem may be more likely to put aside his or her good judgmentand turn to drugs or alcohol to escape.
If a parent suspects that their teen is using they may feel the need to catch them. So, they search their room, orcontrol their activities and friends. Which are normal feelings, after all parents want their kids to be safe? However, it might be more helpful to talk with them andlet them know of the changes they have observed and what the cause is.
Preventing teen drug use is possible. Teen drug use is a problem and it cannot be ignored.Parents need to look for warning signs. Parents and guardians need to learn the warning signs and dangers. It is never too late to educate children about drug use.