Statistics on Teen Drug Use

6/29/2015

In 2014, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) released a survey which shows the comparison between prescription vs. illicit drug use among 12th graders that year.

2014 NIDA Study on Prescription/Over-the-Counter vs. Illicit Drug Use

Even though there is a steady decline in the use of many of these drugs among teens over the past few years, the issue still remains: why are so many teens turning to drugs?

Common Factors of Teen Drug Use

Mayo Clinic offers insights into some of the leading causes of teen drug use, most of which can be addressed and prevented within the home:

A history in the family of substance abuse
A history of experiencing traumatic events, including physical or mental abuse
Issues with low self-esteem or poor social skills
Relationships with peers who have access to drugs
Academic pressure
Weight loss
A general belief that drug use is OK

According to the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University (CASA), “Nine out of 10 people who meet the clinical criteria for substance use disorders involving nicotine, alcohol or other drugs began smoking, drinking or using other drugs before they turned 18.”

Data from the CASA has also shown that high stress teens “are twice as likely as low stress teens to smoke, drink, get drunk and use illegal drugs.”

The Popularity of Prescription Drugs

2010 statistics gathered by the NIDA show that teens and young adults from ages 18 to 25 are the biggest abusers of prescription drugs, including pain relievers and anti-anxiety drugs. It also shows just how serious a problem prescription drug abuse has been over the past decade.

Whether it’s to get high, relieve anxiety, or strengthen their focus, teens are abusing Rx drugs.
According to the NIDA, “In 2010, almost 3,000 young adults died from prescription drug (mainly opioid) overdoses – more than died from overdoses of any other drug, including heroin and cocaine combined – and many more needed emergency treatment.”

Centers for Disease Control stated that nationwide, “20.7% of students had taken prescription drugs….without a doctor’s prescription one or more times during their life.”

Marijuana Use

While marijuana use is becoming more popular with teens in 2015, especially now that recreational use is legal in 4 states, it has always been a major problem when it comes to driving while under the influence.

A 2013 NIDA study shows that 31% of high school seniors have driven after marijuana use.

In 2014, out of 41,551 students surveyed from 377 public and private schools, around 44% of 12th graders, 35% of 10th graders, and 16% of 8th graders said they were using marijuana.

Many teens are under the impression that marijuana is safer than alcohol, cigarettes, and other drugs. And since it’s used to treat cancers and other diseases, some think it’s even healthy or natural.

But what so many of these teens who are using marijuana on a regular basis aren’t anticipating are the very real side effects of long-term use:

Memory loss and problems with concentration
Increased aggression and anger
Increased risk of psychosis
Decreased motivation
Depression
Increased risk of suicide

According to the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP):

“Regular use of marijuana can lead to dependence, which causes users to have a very hard time stopping. When teens use marijuana regularly, they may crave marijuana and give up important activities to use marijuana. If they stop using, they may suffer from withdrawal symptoms which can include irritability, anxiety, and changes in mood, sleep, and appetite.

“Marijuana can also cause serious problems with learning, feelings, and health. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the active ingredient in marijuana. THC affects the brain's control of emotions, thinking, and coordination.”

The Dangers of Synthetic Drugs

A CNN report from December 2014 discusses how “mystery drugs” have been the cause of several teen deaths and how these drugs are being marketed and sold as alternatives to marijuana, cocaine, meth, and heroin.

“In the past four years, more than 300 synthetic designer drugs with names such as Spice, N-bombe and K2, have flooded into the United States.”

According to the article, these synthetic drugs are so powerful that “a dose the size of a few grains of salt can be enough to get high.”

Commonly referred to as “spice,” “K2,” and “fake weed,” these drugs often cause extreme paranoia, hallucinations, fast heart rate, less blood flow to the heart, and even heart attacks.

“Spice” was mentioned 28,531 times in the emergency room in 2011, according to the NIDA.

The Bottom Line

As defense attorneys, we are able to meet with so many of these teens and young adults who are caught up with drugs. Helping them get the right help and stay out of jail is our focus, but too many go back using drugs again and getting in trouble with the law.

It’s apparent that we need to do a better job at teaching our children just how dangerous these drugs can be, especially with how easily accessible they are within our public and private schools and college campuses.

Academic pressure, low self-esteem, or a means for more income should never drive our teens so far as to use or abuse harmful drugs.