Learn About Drugs

Think your teen might know more about drugs than you do? Here's some information to help you stay on top of what's out there.

Why do some young people use drugs?

It may be easier to help your children stay away from drugs if you understand why some young people use them.

• Peer pressure - Young people may give in to pressures from other kids to try drugs. They may use a drug to feel like part of the crowd, or to act grown-up.
• Pleasure - Some teenagers say they take drugs to feel good.
• Curiosity or Experimentation - At first, teenagers may be tempted to try a drug to find out for themselves what it is like. Usually people who use a drug for this reason do not continue use for long periods of time.
• Boredom - If they lack outside activities and interests after school, young people may want to try something new and exciting. The 9:00 to 3:30 routine may be as boring to children as the 9:00 to 5:00 routine is for many adults.
• Self-esteem - Young people, as well as adults, often use drugs to try to feel more confident about themselves. Drugs seem to make them feel more important and powerful.
• Coping with stress - Many young people have not fully developed their problem-solving skills. Some of them use drugs to help cope with problems at school, in the family, and with social relationships.
• Escapism - Drugs appear to make things better than they really are. Problems don't seem as real or important.
• Rebellion - Since most adults do not approve of drug use among children, young people may use drugs to rebel against parent or teachers.
• Mental illness - Drug use may be an indicator of underlying mental illness