There is a tremendous amount of pressure on teens today as they try to fit in with others to be socially accepted. Social media plays a huge role in how teens perceive other peers as well as themselves. Getting a large number of “likes” or comments on social media can inflate egos and falsely make someone think they are popular, which is important for a teen who wants to be accepted.
Teens can also feel pressured by peers to try drugs or alcohol. Nicotine, alcohol, and marijuana use can lead to drugs that are more potent. These substances are known as gateway drugs. Many adolescents start using nicotine, alcohol, or marijuana due to peer pressure and can lead to using more substances and more often.
Many people believe marijuana is a safe drug with little to no withdrawal symptoms. Marijuana use puts a person at higher risk of turning to more intense, powerful drugs, such as cocaine, heroin, or painkillers. Marijuana use significantly affects young, developing brains. Continued use puts a teen at risk of developing serious mental and physical health problems.
Adolescents are exposed to using substances due to peer pressure, stress, and or co-occurring mental health issues. Teens are impulsive and being under the influence of drugs or alcohol can lead to risky, destructive, and deadly behavior.
Drugs and alcohol have devastating effects on a teen’s physical, mental, and psychological health. Many people who smoke cigarettes or other forms of nicotine in adulthood started using in adolescence. Nicotine use becomes a habit and quickly turns into an addiction. Quitting nicotine is very challenging.
An alternative to smoking cigarettes or inhaling cigarette smoke is called vaping, which is gaining popularity among teens and young adults. Vaping uses fewer chemicals, but still contains nicotine, the addictive substance found in cigarettes and other ways to use tobacco.
Young people are using e-cigarettes as well. E-cigarettes are battery-operated devices that look like a cigarette, pipe, etc. The e-cigarettes are filled with a liquid, containing nicotine that heats up and vaporizes. The person using the device inhales the vapor, and unknowingly inhales chemicals from the product as it heats up.
The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence states, “Addiction is a complex disease, and quitting takes more than good intentions or a strong will.” Marijuana, alcohol, and nicotine are all addictive substances that can lead to hard-core drug use with substances that are more potent. If your teen is battling a substance use disorder or addiction, get help now.
Cypress Lakes Lodge offers treatment for addiction in a peaceful, remote, oxygen-rich environment. The program encompasses holistic addiction therapy for the mind, body, and soul. The focus is on physical, mental, and emotional well-being by generating the balance of life-enriching treatment, wellness, and healthy, sober, sustainable relationships. Call us to get started: 409-331-2204