There is no question that teenage drug abuse has been a significant problem in our country. Studies over the years have shown that getting teenagers to get rid of drug addiction is particularly difficult because they are more prone to abusing drugs compared to other age groups. Teen drug abuse is different in some ways compared to adults who are abusing drugs from the types of drugs they are using to where and how they are using them.
Teens don’t have disposable income or readily available money to spend on drugs. And drugs do tend to be expensive. Also, teens may not be able to buy them readily even if they have the money available. So, when it comes to drug use in teenagers, we see that they tend to do the drugs that are readily available to them or drugs that are cheaper. Regardless of the substance, teen drug abuse has risen to epidemic proportions in the United States.
SOME POPULAR DRUGS AMONG TEENS
Particularly during the holiday season, when the use of alcohol or recreational drugs tends to increase, it is important to recognize the drug trends that are attracting younger people:
Marijuana: Studies show that the rate of pot use in teens is higher in states such as California that have legalized the use of medical marijuana. According to one study, about 38 percent of high school seniors in states where medical marijuana is legal to say they have used marijuana in the last year compared to about 33 percent in states that don’t have similar laws. There are also studies that show that the rate of marijuana use among teens is started to outpace tobacco use.
Inhalants: The use of inhalants as drugs is rampant among teens simply because they are readily available and cheap. Teens sniff substances such as paint, nail polish, paint thinners, and markers inhaling them until they begin to have a narcotic effect. Users will need to sniff them several times because the intense high from inhaling these substances only lasts a few minutes. About 200 people die each year in the United States from an inhalant overdose.
Synthetic or “designer” drugs: These are essentially chemical compounds created in a laboratory that simulates the effect created by existing drugs. Some examples of synthetic drugs that are popular among teens include Spice, K2, which are street names for synthetic marijuana, and White Lightning, and Bloom (synthetic cathinone). Makers of these drugs use loopholes in federal regulations to sell them legally in locations like gas stations and convenience stores. These synthetic drugs are much more potent than drugs such as marijuana that they simulate.
Prescription drugs: Prescription medications including opioids are often abused by teens. Teenagers get access to these drugs from friends and family members, often without the knowledge of the person. These drugs are also dangerous and overdoses are common.
IF YOUR TEEN IS FACING DRUG CHARGES
It is important to remember that if your teen is facing drug charges, the consequences can be devastating – from jail time and hefty fines to probation. An experienced drug crime defense attorney can help you determine your options and help keep your child out of jail while getting him or her the help they need to overcome addiction issues.