Why do teens abuse drugs?

Teenagers use drugs for many reasons. 

Research has shown these primary reasons for teen drug abuse:

  • Peer-pressure and wanting to fit in with a particular social group
  • High risk behavior is common to many in the teen age group
  • Enjoying the way drugs and alcohol make them feel, without considering the effects
  • Feeling that drug and alcohol use makes them appear more grown up
  • Teens who feel a sense of disconnection from their family more often have abuse issues
  • Poor self-esteem and other emotional problems contribute to involvement with drugs and alcohol in many cases
  • Lack of family support or other social support
  • Untreated anxiety and depression may lead teens to self-medicate with drugs and alcohol, in order to control their symptoms


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