Unscripted Adventures

Substance abuse is considered a significant health issue among teenagers around the world. These substances are mostly tobacco, alcohol, cannabis, and recreational drugs such as ecstasy, cocaine, and opioids. The question is – why do teenagers do this?

Some teenagers experiment this out of curiosity – we can’t stop that. A small portion of them decide to quit it, but the other portion?  They decide to continue using it, due to many factors, such as: pleasure, addictiveness, escapism, and dependence for relaxation. Other teenagers are forced to try vaping or chew tobacco by their peers. Teenagers often have a feeling of belonging, especially during adolescence. So, just to belong with a friend group, they decide to copy everything they do, or the people there might pressure them into trying drugs. 

Another reason is stress – it may be stress from family, friends, academics, or even love! For them, drugs and vaping is a way to escape from the world; turning a blind eye to everything around them. It is like a coping mechanism against (maybe) broken hearts, failing a subject, or something more. The accessibility of these substances – whether due to legalization, weak enforcement, or affordability – increases the problem. Pop culture and media also play a role in this – they glamorize drug use, making it seem harmless when it actually isn’t. 

Substance abuse not only poses risks to physical health, such as liver damage and overdoses but also worsens mental health issues like anxiety and depression. They could start to fail in school – an A grade student suddenly falling down into Ds – or even ruin relationships with family and friends, who play a vital role in a teenager’s life. 

If you want to get out of doing drugs, I recommend you to:

1. Talk to an adult or someone you trust about how you feel
2. Think about the consequences of what COULD’VE happened
3. Go to therapy/counseling (if you really need it)
4. Find a hobby, and don’t think about drugs
5. Avoid tempting situations

Teenage substance abuse is a serious issue, but with support from family and friends, health coping strategies, and etc, teens can overcome drug addiction and build a drug-free future.