Substance Abuse and its Effects on Adolescents Emily Everett
The effects of adolescent substance abuse in American society can easily be reduced and eliminated by educating young kids on the dangers of taking illegal substances. Illegal drug use and addiction is a major problem in the United States, especially since 90% of adult drug abusers began experimenting with illegal drugs before the ages of 18, at their most critical developmental years (HealthDay, 2011). These illegal and extremely dangerous drugs have a lasting impact on the mental and physiological health of adolescents, which directly correlates to their successes in life. Adolescents who use drugs before the age of 18 are more susceptible to having memory problems, unhealthy habits, inhibiting perceptual development, and even damaging connections within the brain. The relevance behind this information is extremely impacted by the fact that adolescents who begin using drugs are very likely to have greater potential for employment and housing instability, social isolation and difficulty, and health problems that include but are not limited to violence and suicidal ideation (Teen Rehab Center - Co-Occurring Disorders, 2016). By educating young kids on the dangers of taking illegal substances before their critical developmental years, the high number of high schoolers abusing illegal substances will go down in order for young kids to protect their minds, bodies, and futures.