Teens are faced with a lot of pressures from the hormonal changes that happen to them, their peers, the media, their parents, school, and from society. Throughout all this, there comes a time in their lives when they are faced with an offer to drink, or maybe even take drugs. Whether the offer us from their friends, a stranger, or anyone else, the fact is, that one decision a teen makes–to take alcohol and drugs or not–is powerful. Some teens are able to say no and others can’t resist to give in.
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The question now is, how come one teen can resist while the other can’t? What makes one teen resilient and even resistant to temptation, while some are easy to sway?
Why Teens Turn to Drugs and Alcohol
1. Appeal. Teens are easily swayed by persuasive marketing done by ads, such as those of the alcohol industry. These ads and media imagery catch the eyes of the teens. How alcohol and drugs are conveyed show that consumption of these substances are not a big deal, but is in fact cool.
2. Escape. Teens are prone to explore and try different things, and this behavior can cause many problems for them and their families. It’s also a time when problems can have a profound effect on them, and they turn to drugs and alcohol as a way to cope with these problems.
3. Self-medication and soothing mechanism. Teens who deal with problems at home, in school, or with friends may also experience emotional and mental problems such as anxiety and depression. These problems can cause them to resort to drugs and alcohol as a form of relief, making them susceptible to develop addiction.
4. Social acceptance. Teens have a strong desire to belong in a group or a clique, to be accepted. These teenage years is pivotal as they try to figure out their individuality and how they fit into their community. Many teens, in their desire to fit in or be popular, would try these substances.
5. Rebellion. Trapped by pressures and problems at home or in school, teens tend to rebel. This spurs them to do what they want as a form of fighting authority. This “screw you” attitude allows them to do what they want without thinking of the consequences, which can in turn lead them to trouble.
6. Curiosity. Teenage years are a time where they want to explore, and part of this is to try drugs. They see people on television or in the movies doing it, so they naturally want to satisfy their curiosity and try it. They have this attitude: “Everyone else is doing it, so why can’t I?”
Going through adoloscent years is one on the most turbulent times of someone life. It’s during this time that many bodily changes and social changes take place, and these, as well as many pressures, can overwhelm them. Therefore, it is during this time that parents must strive to understand and communicate with their children. Teens need to have someone they can come to and talk with, without fearing blame or judgement, and parents should be this someone, for the sake of their kids and their future.
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