Ryan Carey Drug Use Essay

Submitted By ryandog34
Words: 437
Pages: 2

Ryan Carey
Senior Civics
1/8/15
Soap Box #2
Drug Use
A drug is a substance that modifies one or more of the body’s functions when it is consumed. cocaine, marijuana, heroin, and inhalants are the most commonly used drugs among teenagers age thirteen through eighteen. The most startling thing is that just about 98% of kids from the 1970s-now in the ages of 13-18 have used drugs at least once. So I hope everyone in this room is a part of that 2%. Teenagers take drugs for many different reasons. They engage in drugs because of peer influence and family problems such as a broken home, as well as other important variables such as lack of religious beliefs and just a way of dealing with stress, anger or frustration. Others use drugs because they perceive taking drugs as a new, interesting or exciting experience. Studies show that teenagers because in rural areas use drugs less compared to teenagers that live in urban and suburban areas. The reason for this is because drugs are not as readily available in rural areas. To address these issues the first step is to increase the awareness and knowledge of this particular age group about the risks of substance abuse to influence them away from drug abuse. In, doing this, researchers need to continue to increase their understanding of drug use among the youth, and its causes. Second, researchers need to explore methods of reaching teens during the crucial years when drugs become an alternative Heightening the risks of drug abuse among juveniles makes them aware of the consequences they are facing in the future. Studies show