The article is developed in partnership with BetterHelp.
As a teenager, you are surrounded by many pressures and social influences. A high school is a place full of peer pressure, bullying, mandated classes, demanding adults, and social circles. It is no wonder that many find it challenging to navigate this time in their life.
One of the more severe pressures of high school is the intimidation of substance use. Many teenagers are exposed to alcohol, drugs, and dangerous medications despite being underage and some of these being illegal.
Learn about the dangers of substance abuse in your teenage years, why many succumb to it, and the adverse effects of substance use. By learning more, you can find the help you or someone you love needs.
Why Teenagers May Consider Drug Use
Many teenagers consider substance use because they are not adequately informed. While many teachers and parents are more concerned with academic subjects and the success rate of their students, they fail to teach them about topics such as substance abuse. By implementing facts about DUIs and the effects of substance use, teachers and parents could save many lives.
Another reason teenagers fail to resist drug use is because of peer pressure and bullying. Teenagers can often be cruel and unrelenting towards their peers. Not only can this cause mental health problems, but it can also put lives in danger. Many children want to be accepted by their classmates and friends. In order to do this, they may act out or do something against their beliefs and values.
Signs and Symptoms of Substance Abuse
There are many signs of substance abuse that someone in your life may be abusing substances. If they are, you will notice a change in their physical health, behaviors, and mental health.
For example, many teenagers that are engaging in substances may have a change in their appetite or sleep patterns. They may also physically appear differently such as their appearance, weight, smell, or clothing.
Their actions can also be recognizable. A change in mood, relationships, energy, personality, feelings of anxiety, and hobbies are key examples of substance abuse.
If you want to learn more information about the different types of abuse in both teenagers and adults, consider reading the advice and medically-reviewed resources provided by BetterHelp:
https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/abuse/
Effects of Substance Abuse
When an individual first engages in substance use, you may not notice large effects on their life. However, as it progresses to substance abuse, there may be long-lasting effects. Short-term effects can include a disinterest in education. Therefore, their grades, relationships with classmates, and behavior may suffer.
Various substances can also cause a dip in mental health. For instance, an individual may experience depression, anxiety, intense stress, suicidal thoughts, and others.
In the long run, teenagers may alter their future and future health by abusing substances. Drug abuse and alcohol addiction has been known to cause complications with people’s kidneys, liver, heart, lungs, brain function, and respiratory system. Without taking precautions, substance abuse can lead to untimely death and health complications.
Finding Help for Addictions and Substance Abuse
If you or someone you love is engaged in substance abuse habits, it is pertinent that you seek immediate help. You can find medical and mental health assistance through your general practitioner, local therapist, or substance use hotline.
By talking to someone about your life with substance abuse, you can prevent long-lasting effects, mental health disorders, and poor health.
