Adolescent Addictions

Dawson Robertson

 

Impaired learning, brain abnormalities, collapsed lungs: What else comes to mind when an individual thinks of addictions? Tons of teens across the United States struggle with addictions to prescription drugs, nicotine, alcohol, and marijuana. 

Why get caught up in an addiction?  Most people don’t choose to get addicted.  Addictions usually start by just wanting to “take the edge off” or peer pressure. In high school, peer pressure is a big thing.  In order to fit in, kids resort to trying drugs and/or alcohol.

Academic pressure is very high.  Students face stressful situations and seek an escape. Either alcohol or prescription drugs to pick them up or drown the stress.