Content
The social and economic costs related to youth substance abuse are high. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, alcohol and tobacco are the two most common substances teens abuse. After these top three substances, the popularity or most frequently used drugs differ based on age group. Substance use among teenagers has become a major social issue in recent years, and we must understand more about how drug abuse affects academic performance. Drug addiction can lead to poor grades, low self-esteem, memory challenges, attention deficits, and poor social skills.
What are the effects of drug abuse on the youth?
Substance-abusing youth are at higher risk than nonusers for mental health problems, including depression, conduct problems, personality disorders, suicidal thoughts, attempted suicide, and suicide.
Especially for kids who are at higher risk of alcohol or other drug addiction, paying attention to early signs of trouble can reduce the likelihood of a future problem. Both mental health disorders and substance abuse issues increase the risk of suicide in teens. Additionally, if drugs are misused, the person is at risk of accidental fatal overdose. Some of the warning signs listed above can also be signs of other problems. Parents may recognize signs of trouble and possible use of alcohol and other drugs with their teenager. If you have concerns you may want to consult a physician to rule out physical causes of the warning signs.
Alcohol Use in Adolescence
18.63% of all 12- to 17-year-olds report using marijuana in the last year. 18- to 25-year-olds in New Jersey are 6.05% less likely to use drugs than the average American in the same age group. 11.56% of all 12- to 17-year-olds report teen drug abuse using marijuana in the last year. 18- to 25-year-olds in New Hampshire are 24.35% more likely to use drugs than the average American in the same age group. 10.63% of all 12- to 17-year-olds used alcohol in the last month.
The 2022 Monitoring the Future data tables highlighting the survey results are available online from the University of Michigan. Nicotine vaping remained stable for all three grades surveyed, with 12% of eighth graders, 20.5% of 10th graders, and 27.3% of 12th graders reporting vaping nicotine in the past year. If a teen has already tried quitting or reducing use and failed, then it’s important to seek treatment as soon as possible. Approximately 21% of high school seniors have reported using Marijuana in the past month, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Have a confidential, completely free conversation with a treatment provider about your financial options. If you need to go back and make any changes, you can always do so by going to our Privacy Policy page.
Family Health
11.42% of all 12- to 17-year-olds report using marijuana in the last year. 18- to 25-year-olds in Kansas are 6.91% less likely to use drugs than the average American in the same age group. 11.73% of all 12- to 17-year-olds report using marijuana in the last year.