drug addiction

We know how various stressors in daily life are likely to compel individuals to indulge in activities that will give their minds immediate relief.

One of those common activities is trying out drugs that are initially done for fun but quickly turn into an addiction.

However, teenagers are also increasingly indulging in similar habits with time, which begs the question, Why?

Due to peer pressure, teenagers experiment with drugs that ensure that drugs are a far more convenient option to escape from problems.

Sadly, most teens become dependent on drugs without realizing the consequences of addiction. One of the damaging impacts drugs have on the young mind is the brain’s changed chemical activity.

It means that the brain naturally stops producing dopamine or serotonin, which are the feel-good chemicals due to the constant presence of the drug in the system. This makes it difficult for teenagers to function normally, especially in the absence of the substance.

Teenagers are more susceptible to drug addiction than adults due to bad parenting and lack of self-respect. Regardless of the reasons, there is still hope for every addict to choose the path to a better life.

Willing to seek help is the first step in the road to recovery, and the support of professionals or following a young adult treatment guide will help get life back on track.

In addition to seeking treatment, addressing the reasons for teenage drug addiction also plays a significant role in a smooth recovery.

While some reasons are discussed, here are a few others.

Boredom

Teenagers are at an age where they are eager to try out new stuff every day, so it’s no surprise that most teenagers are drug addicts because, initially, they use drugs purely for fun. Drugs are often seen as a pastime to be explored by youngsters.

While hearing the word boredom usually means that an individual has nothing else to do, that is not always the case.

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It might be difficult to believe that teenagers will get bored with social media and streaming content 24/7. The thought of using drugs stems from the urge to do something different from the routine.

As drug addiction is an escape route for older individuals, it provides teenagers somewhat mental relief from the monotonous routine. 

Curiosity

Not every teenager falls into the pit of drug addiction, but those who do it have the urge to act upon curiosity. Curiosity is a natural part of life, and everyone, including teenagers, is not immune from it. Experimentation with drugs begins with the urge to find out how it feels.

Young minds are prone to believe that they are invincible and capable of doing everything. However, that is not true, especially when trying out drugs.

Teenagers also use drugs out of curiosity to have a good time, mainly because others do it.

Stress

Teenagers are addicted to drugs due to stress that often has a backup list of several reasons. One of the familiar sources of stress teenagers experience is the hectic school routine with a tight schedule added to the burden of extra-curricular activities.  

It can be challenging for teenagers to cope with all these responsibilities, so as a result, they seek drugs to lessen the burden.

Your brain continues to develop until the age of 25, which means that stress affects the parts of the brain, making it more vulnerable to drug addiction.

Additionally, young individuals are at an age where the body undergoes significant changes that at some point become a source of worry or stress for them. Another factor that adds to the stress is hormonal changes that affect mood and behavior.

Lack of Self-Esteem

Peer pressure or lack of education are reasons why teenagers tread the road of drug addiction; however, sometimes, there are less obvious factors that answer why teenagers are addicted to drugs.

One of those less obvious reasons is the lack of self-esteem that teenagers most of the time experience. Self-esteem is how an individual perceives, and regardless of age, every person has a self-image that makes or breaks them.

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In teenagers, self-esteem is a critical factor in developing the human spirit that comprises standing up for yourself and finding the path to happiness.

When a person loses their ability to look after themselves, they end up in the darkness, surrounded by loneliness, lack of self-esteem, and the inability to fit into society.

All these emotions tend to make teenagers especially feel as if they are socially inept, and the only way to feel valuable is by using drugs.

Lack of self-esteem is because of multiple reasons, from academic challenges to negative influences, leading to drug addiction among teens.

Peer Pressure

Peer pressure influences choices in an individual’s life, especially teenagers. As youngsters have a rebellious nature, unlike older individuals, they are less likely to consider the risks when making a decision.

This is more commonly observed in circumstances where everyone abuses drugs without considering the consequences.

One of the examples of peer pressure is when with friends; just the idea of someone watching triggers into thinking that using drugs is a good idea. Being a part of an environment that indulges in addictive activities can lead a youngster to use drugs which can be a precursor to addiction.

Conclusion

Addiction can take hold of someone’s life no matter their age or where they are at life. While stress is one of the most significant in today’s time, several factors also contribute to drug addiction in teenagers.

It might be difficult to believe that our young generation is on the road to developing a dangerous habit, it is necessary to address the reasons and find practical solutions.  

Indeed, treatment options available can help overcome this habit but resolving the root cause will prevent the risk in the foreseeable future. 

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