Young people's brains are growing and developing until they are their mid-20's. This is especially true of the prefrontal cortex, which is used to make decisions. Taking drugs when young can interfere with developmental processes occurring in the brain. It can also affect their decision-making. They may be more likely to do risky things, such as unsafe sex and dangerous driving.
The earlier young people start using drugs, the greater their chances of continuing to use them and become addicted later in life.Taking drugs when you are young can contribute to the development of adult health problems, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and sleep disorders.
The drugs that are most commonly used by young people are alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana. Recently, more young people have started vaping tobacco and marijuana. There is still a lot we don't know about the dangers of vaping. Some people have unexpectedly gotten very ill or have even died after vaping. Because of this, young people should stay away from vaping.
There are many different reasons why a young person may take drugs, including
. Young people may do drugs because they want to be accepted by friends or peers who are doing drugs.
. Abused drugs can produce feelings of pleasur
Some young people suffer from depression, anxiety, stress-related disorders, and physical pain. They may do drugs to try to get some relief.
. Some young people may take stimulants for studying or anabolic steroids to improve their athletic performance.
. Young people often want to try new experiences, especially ones that they think are thrilling or daring.
Different factors may raise a young person's risk for drug use, including
Stressful early life experiences, such child abuse, child sexual abuse, and other forms of trauma
Genetics
Prenatal exposure to alcohol or other drugs
Lack of parental supervision or monitoring
Having peers and/or friends who use drugs
Changing friends a lot
Spending a lot of time alone
Losing interest in favorite things
Not taking care of themselves - for example, not taking showers, changing clothes, or brushing their teeth
Being really tired and sad
Eating more or eating less than usual
Being very energetic, talking fast, or saying things that don't make sense
Being in a bad mood
Quickly changing between feeling bad and feeling good
Missing important appointments
Having problems at school - missing class, getting bad grades
Having problems in personal or family relationships
Lying and stealing
Memory lapses, poor concentration, lac
Drug use and addiction are ppreveproPrevention programs involving families, schools, communities, and the media may prevent or reduce drug use and addiction. These programs include education and outreach to help people understand the risks of drug use.
You can help prevent your children from using drugs through
Good communication with your children
Encouragement, so your children can build confidence and a strong sense of self. It also helps parents promote cooperation and reduce conflict.
Teaching your children problem-solving skills
Setting limits, to teach your children self-control and responsibility, provide safe boundaries, and show them that you care
Supervision, which helps parents recognize developing problems, promote safety, and stay involved
Knowing your children's friends
NIH: National Institute on Drug Abuse