While its true that teenage substance abuse has been slightly declining for the past twenty years, one in three adolescents continue to use and abuse drugs every year.
Today, more than 1.
1 million teenagers meet the diagnostic criteria for drug dependency, and more than 1 million teens are receiving treatment for alcohol dependency.
In 2007, the University of Michigan asked 8th, 10th, and 12th grade students if they had used an illicit drug at least once in the past year.
The results of who answered yes were: * 13 percent of 8th graders * 28 percent of 10th graders * 36 percent of 12th graders Abused substances included in the survey were alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, opiates, stimulants, cocaine, hallucinogens, inhalants, steroids, non-prescribed prescription drugs, and club drugs like ecstasy.
Teenagers at the highest risk for substance abuse are those with low self-esteem, feel alienated, feel depressed, and those with a history of substance abuse in their family.
A teen is not necessarily going to be in the presence of his or her family immediately after abusing drugs or alcohol.
However, teenage substance abuse will still show some very pronounced symptoms, including: * increased secretiveness * shoplifting * sudden personality changes * increased temper or aggressiveness * lack of interest in hobbies * drop in grades * change in friends * reluctance to let parents talk to friends * nervousness * poor grooming * loss of pride in personal appearance * long sleeved shirts, baggy clothing * weight loss * borrowing money * stealing money Teenagers who are under the influence will show the following symptoms: * Slurring of speech * Poor coordination * Memory problems * Difficulty concentrating