The Effects of Substance Abuse in Young Adults

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By the eighth grade, 29.5 percent of adolescents have consumed alcohol, 15.5 percent have smoked cigarettes, and 15 percent have used marijuana (11 Facts About Teens and Drug Use). Substance abuse by young adults using illegal or prescription drugs and alcohol can result in a loss of interest in education, serious emotional problems and chemical dependency. Substance abuse can cause lower grades, leading to becoming less involved in school activities, skipping school because of lack of interest and possibly dropping out all together. Drug use can lead to chaos in the home, resulting in domestic violence, lack of communication, which can cause relationships to become strained and broken. The teen may need more of the substance to get the full effect or high because of the tolerance hey have built up against the substance. They may also feel that they cannot function or go through the day without using the drug. Teens that use drugs or alcohol generally have had something in their life lead to that consumption. There are many factors that may cause a teen to drink or use drugs. Factors may be social, mental, or hereditary. Many reason teens choose to use drugs and alcohol are social factors. Teens may want to fit in with their friends or a certain group. They may also feel mature and grow up while using substances. If teens have mental issues, they may be more likely to use drugs or alcohol. Teens who feel like they are not emotionally connected or loved by their parents are more susceptible to drug use. Teens who have poor self-esteem or emotional or mental health problems, such as depression are also at increased risk for drug use (Teen Alcohol and Drug Abuse). Teens who have alcohol and drug addictions in their family history ... ... middle of paper ... ...ings and thoughts of suicide. In conclusion, substance abuse has the most affect on teens mentally, by affecting the performance in school, emotional problems, resulting in relationships at home becoming strained and broken and also teens becoming chemically dependent on the drugs that they use. Works Cited Raczek, Linda Theresa. Teen Addiction. San Diego: Lucent, 2004. Print. "Impact of Drug Use on Your Life." ReachOut Blog RSS. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Nov. 2013. "Teen Alcohol and Drug Abuse." Cigna, a Global Health Insurance and Health Service Company. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Nov. 2013. "Healthcare Services." Healthcare Services. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Nov. 2013. "Dual Recovery Anonymous - a 12 Step Fellowship." Dual Recovery Anonymous - a 12 Step Fellowship.N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Nov. 2013. "The Effects of Drug Abuse on Teens." Casa Palmera. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Nov. 2013.

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