Looking For Info About Illegal Drug Abuse?The percent of illegal drug abuse among teenagers and adolescents is a persistent number. Even with the prevention programs and centers that provide help, more and more teenagers are trying illegal substances. What young people may or may not realize is how illegal drug abuse really affects one's life and decisions. They do not take into account how their use of illegal drugs affects other people in their life. Some of the basic consequences of illegal drug abuse in the younger population can include any of the following. Academics- Students are use illegal drugs will suffer declining grades, have increased absent days from school and school related activities, and increased potential to drop out of school. Illegal drug abuse will also interfere with academic performance for their own gain and for their peers. Physical Health- Probably the most obvious consequence of illegal drug abuse in youth will be physical health concerns. Those who use drugs are prone to car accidents, physical disabilities and disease, and possible overdose. It's been reported that teen and adolescent death through suicide, homicide, accident, and illness drastically increases with the use illegal drug abuse. Mental Health- Depression, developmental lags, apathy, withdrawals, and other psychosocial dysfunctions are linked to illegal drug abuse. In general, youth that participate in illegal drug abuse, are at higher risks of conduct problems, personality disorders, depression, suicidal thoughts, attempted suicide, and suicide. Some illegal drugs, such as marijuana, will interfere with short-term memory, learning abilities, and psychomotor skills. Illegal drug abuse can also cause motivation, psychosexual, and emotional development concerns. Peers- It's not uncommon for the peers of those who use illegal drugs to alienate and stigmatize those who use. Family- Illegal drug abuse can drain a family's financial and emotional resources, especially if the issue worsens and the teenager or adolescent gets into legal trouble due to criminal acts, in which legal fees must be accommodated. Delinquency- There is a positive correlation between criminal acts and illegal drug abuse. Many of today's youth that are involved in illegal drug abuse have been, will be, or have been close to being arrested and put into a juvenile detention center. Although illegal drug abuse does not cause delinquent behaviors, the two are strongly correlated. Although, not all criminal acts are committed while actually on illegal drugs, it's not uncommon for the delinquent acts to be performed while trying to either get drugs or raise money to purchase drugs. Statistics show that the drug selling, serious assault, burglary, and robbery, are the top four most common crimes that youth have committed while trying to obtain drugs. Other Consequences- There are also social and economic consequences that may follow illegal drug abuse, such as drug-related crimes, financial loss, and medical treatment. Illegal drug abuse in teens can potentially serve more problems long-term. This is why drug abuse prevention is the key. |