One of the most prominent issues in today's society is teenage drug abuse. Every teenager is repeatedly lectured about the dangers of alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, etc.. We are constantly told that it will, at its own pace, tear our lives apart. They warn us that one time is enough to get you hooked, but people seem to feel a need to learn the hard way.
Everyone knows, but no one cares. The natural response to that would be, “Of course we care, Marie, why would you say such a thing?” Well, being born and raised in Memphis, I have seen first-hand how drugs and alcohol can drastically affect one’s life. Several friends of mine were sent to juvenile detention centers as young as the seventh and eighth grade – where was this so called “care” then?
All blame cannot be placed on parents, but who is aware of a child more than Mom and Dad? Our teenage years are our most vulnerable; we want to fit in, and we are easily stressed. Parents of teenagers should be much more observant of their child’s behavior during these years, because they affect the rest of our lives.
When parents become aware of their teenager falling victim to drugs, they do not know how to handle it. It is not the end of the world. Like any other issue, the solution is not the most obvious – one must get to the source of the problem. Once the root is uncovered, certain actions can be followed. On this discussion forum , teenagers shared their views of leading causes of teen drug use.
“IT IS A RELEASE FROM THE STRESSES OF LIFE.” (C) – As previously mentioned, teenagers are easily stressed. Aside from grades, students should not have much to be stressed about. Unfortunately, life is not as simple as that. We stress over girlfriend/boyfriend “drama”, fights, and even other people’s “drama”. Many people who claim to be stressed out are bringing it upon themselves.
“THEY WANT TO FIT IN WITH THE CROWD.” (Watson) – Peer pressure. Even among adults, this is a regular part of life. However, everyone must learn how to be strong enough to make decisions for themselves, rather than jumping on the bandwagon.
“Teens today are getting [drawn] in by the drug trend very strongly because of the celebrities they see and love.” (Russell) – I must admit that this never occurred to me. Nonetheless, it is a viable motivation for a teenager to not only use drugs, but to commit any other type of crime. Growing up, we are strongly influenced by our role models. Regrettably, celebrities are starting to replace parents and teachers as role models.
“TEENS [THESE] DAYS USE DRUGS BECAUSE [THEY DO] NOT [HAVE] ENOUGH SUPPORT FROM THEIR PARENTS.” (Jenny) – This quote contradicts my initial notion that parents could dcrease the drug use rate among teenagers. Instead of preventing it, they may occasionally be the source of it.
Based on the various motivations of teen drug abuse, it is apparent that one individual cannot be put to blame. It may not be the simplest solution, but it is evident that rather than restricting drug use, certain actions should be taken to eliminate any reasons behind it.
--Marie
Based on the various motivations of teen drug abuse, it is apparent that one individual cannot be put to blame. It may not be the simplest solution, but it is evident that rather than restricting drug use, certain actions should be taken to eliminate any reasons behind it.
--Marie
C, . "Why do teens use drugs?." 22 Mar 2007. Online Posting to National Issues Forums
Online Discussions. Web. 9 Feb 2011.
Jenny, . "Why do teens use drugs?." 27 Apr 2007. Online Posting to National Issues Forums
Online Discussions. Web. 9 Feb 2011.
Johnson, . "Why do teens use drugs?." 22 Mar 2007. Online Posting to National Issues
Forums Online Discussions. Web. 9 Feb 2011.
Russell, Casey. "Why do teens use drugs?." 27 Apr 2007. Online Posting to National Issues
Forums Online Discussions. Web. 9 Feb 2011.
Watson, Shaniqua . "Why do teens use drugs?." 22 Mar 2007. Online Posting to National
Issues Forums Online Discussions. Web. 9 Feb 2011.
