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There are so many frightening stories out there of parents that have lost their teen to drug use. Parents need to be aware of their teen’s friends and activities, as well as the potential risks for kids these days. We have listed five of the most common substances that are abused by teens.
- Marijuana: Weed, pot, grass; it’s the same drug that many of the older generations used when they were young. Perhaps that’s why marijuana is the most commonly used drug today. “Everyone else is doing it, and our parents probably experimented with it.” But the marijuana used today is more potent than the marijuana of the past, and the fact that many kids are trying it at a younger age means that these kids will be more likely to move on to a more powerful substance as they get older. Plenty of lives have been wrecked by marijuana; it is not a drug to be taken lightly.
- Prescription drugs: An estimated 20% of teens have used prescription drugs to get high. This growing trend among teens and pre-teens is troubling because of how easy it is to obtain these drugs. Most kids can open up their parents’ bathroom cabinet and have their choice of drugs. Parents have been slow to catch on to this trend, and now the abuse of prescription drugs is a serious problem in schools. Teens have begun having “pharming parties” where everyone brings a stash from their home and shares with the group.
- Ecstasy: This drug is popular among the dance club scene and now is being marketed to kids. With stamps of cartoon characters on them and their cheap selling price, this stimulant drug has become a popular past time among teens.
- Inhalants: Another danger in most homes is the presence of inhalants. Teens and pre-teens have begun sniffing or huffing certain chemicals or household items in order to get high. Often, teens don’t see this as being anything more than a game, and certainly don’t see it as being harmful.
- Cocaine and heroin: These potent stimulants are causing growing concern for parents and law enforcement. Often teens that start out with some of these other substances soon move on to more hard-core drugs, such as heroin. Highly addictive, these stimulants cause such a high feeling that users are left looking for more. The lives of many adults and teens have been ruined by these drugs.
A factor that is seen in many of these top substances is that teens don’t see the use of these them as being serious or harmful. Teens are still learning and growing, there are many things they just don’t know. Parents need to talk with their kids about drugs, and warn them about the severity of these substances. Maybe with a little more time spent in education and prevention, these trends would not continue to surface among our teens.
Sources
Kowalski, Steve Cost, appearance of drugs appeal to teens January 25, 2009
Van Hollen, J.B. For teens, drug abuse genie is out of the prescription bottle 2/16/09
Ivers, Marianne Risky teen trends: Parents, don’t be in denial February 11, 2009
Drug Review A brief review of the most common drugs used by teens
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Comment by Bill Urell — February 18, 2009 @ 5:27 pm
I heard that cough medicine containing DMX is really popular. It can cause hallucinations.
Bill
Comment by Jared — February 19, 2009 @ 3:19 pm
It is popular even when I was a teenager, however it is very dangerous and can cause coma and death. These types of home drugs are extremely dangerous as a gateway drug as well.
Comment by Robert — February 9, 2010 @ 7:44 am
I think that this article should be taken down. Or Jared More should research this topic more. You can tell that this man has no idea what he is talking about because he puts heroin and cocaine in the same pool. They are completely different drugs. Coke is a stimulant but heroin is not. In fact Heroin is a depressant which is the complete opposite of a stimulant. Also no one does inhalants, not really. Maybe a dumb kid or two will do it once but i can assure you that the only ones who are stupid enough to get addicted to huffing were born un-savable.
I am also upset at the fact of marijuana being on the top of this list. Yes, a lot of people do smoke pot but most of people who do led a perfectly normal life. I mean look at me, I was able to write a far more intellectual comment than either of the two left above and I am fucking stoned!
love,
Bobby
P.S. DMX is a rapper. However Dextromethorphan commonly known as DXM is found in cough syrup.
Comment by Jared Moré — February 9, 2010 @ 8:01 am
Interesting Opinions, and they are just that… Opinions.
If you look further into our site and our article you will find that the differences between drugs are very well documented. I think if you look at the context of the article it is obvious why cocaine and heroin are classed together here.
I am sure the commenter above appreciates your clarification.
This is an interesting article to read about what Marijuana Abuse can do to your brain.