Signs of Drug Use in Teens and Tweens: Why Do They Experiment?

Kids are usually motivated to experiment with drugs by curiosity and the need to fit in.  They want to try what their friends are trying, and they have a great need to belong. Some kids experiment because they are seeking relief from anxiety × Anxiety
  anx·i·ety n.noun Merriam- Webster dictionary defines anxiety as: : an abnormal and overwhelming sense of apprehension and fear often marked by physiological signs (as sweating, tension, and increased pulse), by doubt concerning the reality and nature of the threat, and by self-doubt about one’s capacity to cope with it Anxiety is a very common ailment that almost everyone experiences on an almost daily basis. However, anxiety effects some more than others and can cause severe emotional distress that is too much for an individual to handle. When anxiety plagues an individual so severely that it becomes a disorder, it is crucial that this individual receives therapeutic and emotional restoration in the form of psychological and therapeutic assistance. Teens who experience abnormal amounts of anxiety, tend to self medicate with intoxicants such as drugs and alcohol. When negative, self medication takes place, teens are at great risk of developing harmful coping mechanisms that may be life-long lasting. Anxiety /anx.i.e.ty/ n.Noun Anxiety is defined as the state of uneasiness or tension caused by the feeling of worry or nervousness caused by apprehension of possibilities of the future. Anxiety is a common emotional trait that many people face.  It affects our actions and can prevent us from making decisions.  Usually anxiety holds us back from the types of things that are outgoing or out of our comfort zone and it brings fear. Anxiety is a normal experience for most people and is a normal part of life.  However, when the anxiety reaches the level of a disorder then it can be dangerous.  This would include an intense, extensive, excessive and persistent worry or fear.  Another factor that is caused by an anxiety disorder can be anxiety, fear, or terror attacks when the intensity of anxiety becomes very high.  Types of anxiety disorders can include: social anxiety, separation anxiety and many different phobias etc.  
or emotional pain. In essence they are self-medicating or using drugs or alcohol × Alcohol
al·co·hol n.noun a colorless volatile flammable liquid that is the intoxicating constituent of wine, beer, spirits, and other drinks, and is also used as an industrial solvent and as fuel. When ingested, alcohol can be a deadly intoxicant. Teens and adults alike are more prone to make fateful and negative choices while drinking alcohol. A deadly intoxicant, alcohol has destroyed and ripped apart the lives of millions and yet, remains to be the drug of choice of troubled teens nationwide. Teenage minds are not yet able to fully appreciate the dangers that coincide with drinking. When drunk, teenagers commit and act out heinous activities which they would normally never commit or act out. Teenage pregnancy, driving under the influence, fighting and other consequences are more likely to occur while teens drink. Parents of teenage boys or girls who drink occasionally or struggle with the addiction of alcohol, need to seek immediate treatment for their son or daughter.
to cope with the stresses they are feeling.  For instance, many kids use marijuana to reduce their anxiety, but medical studies show that the prolonged use of the drug has the opposite effect, leading to heightened anxiety, depression × Depression
Depression /de·pres·sion/ Depression is defined as a mental condition characterized by feelings of severe despondency and dejection, typically also with feelings of inadequacy and guilt, often accompanied by lack of energy and disturbance of appetite and sleep. Statistics has shown that diagnosis of depression is growing at a very dangerous rate. Globally, depression affects over 350 million people of all ages. Depression has been linked to other negative health outcomes, such as obesity, heart disease, and stroke. Compared to those not affected by depression those who face it are more likely to be unemployed and have a higher chance of divorce. Most people that suffer from depression do not seek care or attention. Since this is a global issue, many efforts are made to help those who are suffering depression. It is important for those that face depression to find help so that they can overcome this plague that millions of people face.
, nervousness, mental disorders × Mental Disorders
n.noun /men·tal/ /dis·or·der/ Merriam-Webster defines mental disorders as : a mental or bodily condition marked primarily by sufficient disorganization of personality, mind, and emotions to seriously impair the normal psychological functioning of the individual—called also mental illness. Common mental disorders or mental illnesses that plague troubled teens include, Acute stress disorder, autism, anxiety disorder, agoraphobia, attention deficit disorder, asperger syndrome, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, bulimia nervosa, childhood antisocial disorder, depressive disorder, dyslexia, impulse control disorder, insomnia, kleptomania and manic depressiveness. Troubled teens often struggle with one or more mental illnesses. These mental disorders effect the behavior and decision making of teenage boys and girls. If left untreated, mental disorders will ultimately consume the life of an adolescent. If parenting a child struggling with a mental disorder, it is imperative to seek immediate treatment for the child. Programs for troubled teens, boarding schools, residential treatment and group homes for troubled teens are viable options for parents to consider.
, paranoia and panic attacks. While some parents diminish the seriousness of use of marijuana, they should pay attention to what the National Institute on Drug Abuse × Drug Abuse
Drug Abuse /drug/ /a.buse/ The definition of Drug abuse is the use of a medicine or other substance that has a physiological effect when introduced into the body improperly in a negative view or purpose. There are many different types of drugs, and the misuse of these types of substances can be very dangerous and can be the cause of many different problems.  This kind of abuse can lead to many different impairments or distress. Along with physical problems that can come from recurrent drug abuse, there are many other types of problems that can occur.  One effect can be a lack of interest in schooling and work.  Another possibility can be the failure to fulfill roles and obligations in different settings of life can.   Also, a poor performance in daily actions that may lead to legal problems. It is important to face Drug abuse as soon as possible in an appropriate manner.  There are many different programs that are available to help fix these types of problems to rehabilitate someone’s life.
says are the effects of its prolonged use.  They report it can cause, “…impaired attention, memory problems, diminished learning capacity, interference with the formation of memories and the ability to retain knowledge, a general apathy toward life events, poor coordination, diminished interpersonal skills, and poor judgment.” Sadly, other kids experiment with drugs to tempt their fate.  Teens with more serious emotional and psychological problems turn to dangerous concoctions or massive doses of drugs as a form of “Russian Roulette.” They reason, “If I die, then so be it.”  Not a week goes by that I don’t receive a message from a parent or grandparent, heartbroken that their teen overdosed and died.