1. SUBSTANCE ABUSE

2. Why do teens take drugs? To fit in To feel good To feel better
“Because others are doing it.”
To feel good
Abused drugs interact with the neurochemistry of the brain and produce feelings of pleasure (euphoria).
To feel better
Lessen the feelings of distress like depression, social anxiety, stress, and physical pain.
To do better
May use stimulants to enhance or improve their athletic performance.
To experiment
Seek new experiences that give thrill and are daring.

3. What drugs are most frequently used by teens?
Alcohol and tobacco are the most commonly abused drugs.
This chart shows the most commonly abused drugs by high school seniors other than tobacco and alcohol.
AThe top drug used in this category is Adderall (7.4%) *The top drugs used in this category are Vicodin (5.3%) and OxyContin (3.6%)
Source: Monitoring the Future National Results on Adolescent Drug Use: Summary of Key Findings, 2013.

4. How do teens become addicted to drugs and which factors increase it?
Addiction happens when drugs are used repeatedly and can change how the brain functions over time.
The brain’s reward centers changes and causes the addiction to occur.
Stressful early life experiences can increase your risk of addiction.
History of physical and/or sexual abuse, genetic vulnerability, prenatal exposure of alcohol or other drugs, peers who use drugs, etc.
HOWEVER, genetic and environmental influences promotes psychosocial development and resilience.
May balance and counteract risk factors.

5. Can you become addicted to marijuana?
YES
Research suggests that about 9% of users become addicted (17%, or 1 in 6 with those who start young).
Long-term users who try to quit report withdrawal symptoms like irritability, sleeplessness, decreased appetite, anxiety, and drug craving.
This can make it difficult to stay off the drug.
Teens users may harm the developing brain, lower IQ, and impair the ability to drive safely.

6. Treatments Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Contingency Management (CM)
Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET)
And many more!