Today’s teens are up against some big hurdles. While drug use seems to be on the decline according to national polls, drug addiction treatment centers are just as full as they ever were. Many even have a waiting list for services.
It’s tough growing up in today’s society and more teens than ever struggle with mental health issues. Unfortunately, these teens are at higher risk for addiction as they look for a way to escape the pressures of the world around them.
Teens are great at masking their feelings and hiding things so it’s best to stay abreast of the most commonly abused substances. Being knowledgeable in this area makes it easier to open the door for the most important conversations before they become big issues.
- Alcohol
Alcohol acts by depressing the central nervous system. While laws prohibit the sale to minors, it is readily available for most teens. Many need look no further than their kitchen cabinet and they have plenty of personal time to experiment. Alcohol has long been considered one of the most common gateway drugs and drug addiction treatment centers are full of teens trying to kick alcoholism.
- Marijuana
The decriminalization of marijuana in many states has made it even easier for teens to access. Marijuana is addictive and it can cause psychosis, especially in a young developing mind. It is not harmless as many would claim, just ask some of those in a drug addiction treatment center for their marijuana problem. Marijuana changes the reward system in the brain and those changes may not always be reversible.
- Prescription Medications
Many teens need only to search out the medicine cabinet at home to experiment. Between stimulants, like Ritalin, opioids like Oxycodone, and benzodiazepines like Xanax and Valium there are a myriad of dangers. Furthermore, the medicine cabinet at home is free and it offers access that can be shared with bored friends looking to experiment.
- Spice or K2
Spice or K2 is often marketed as a natural product and teens think it’s legal marijuana. Unfortunately, there are many hidden dangers in most Spice products. Spice or K2 is a highly addictive designer synthetic which may contain some concentrated cannabinoid compounds along with other dangerous chemicals. It has been known to cause confusion, agitation, hallucinations, and even heart attacks among users.
- Methamphetamines
Methamphetamines are a stimulant made from pseudoephedrine found in over-the-counter decongestants. It’s sometimes just called ice or crystal. It offers an intense high that lasts a long time but it’s highly addictive and damaging to the body. Because it virtually eliminates the appetite, teens have even become addicted trying to use it as a dieting strategy. Drug addiction treatment centers in some parts of the country are full of teens trying to kick a difficult meth habit.
- Heroin
Heroin is another highly addictive substance that is readily available to teens. It can come in a dark or white powder or even a dark tar-like substance. It is often cut with other substances to stretch it so teens have no idea what they are putting in their bodies. This highly dangerous drug is super addictive and difficult to kick.
Your Best Option May Be a Drug Addiction Treatment Center
Unfortunately, drugs are still a dangerous coping mechanism used by teens everywhere and before they know it, they can’t stop. The most commonly used drugs by teens in today’s world are alcohol, marijuana, prescription medications, Spice, methamphetamines, and heroin. If you suspect your teen has been experimenting, it may be time to talk to someone at a drug addiction treatment center before casual use turns into full blown addiction.