Written by Minowa Gonzalez | Edited by Danica Kwan
Photo by MART PRODUCTION
Every year, 15% of high school students take their first steps into a realm that promises escape but often delivers extreme consequences: the world of illicit drug use. The developing adolescent brain is especially vulnerable to addiction and the damaging effects of substance abuse. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse in 2023, “10.9% of eighth graders, 19.8% of 10th graders, and 31.2% of 12th graders report any illicit drug use in the past year” [1]. This statistic only represents the reported cases, without accounting for unreported instances due to legal repercussions, such as jail time and potential impact on future opportunities. A government foundation called Get Smart About Drugs reports that the need to relieve boredom, forget their troubles, and the pressure of belonging to a certain group drive adolescents (aged 13-18) to experiment with drugs [2]. Moreover, the combination of easy access to drugs and limited awareness about the risks drives adolescents to engage in illicit drug use.
Substance use affects groups differently. The likelihood of developing a substance use disorder increases significantly when individuals initiate alcohol and drug use during adolescence [4]. The 2009-2019 Youth Risk Behavior report from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) highlights a concern regarding youth high-risk substance abuse: among high school students who had ever used illicit drugs (such as cocaine, inhalants, methamphetamines, hallucinogens, etc.) there was a higher prevalence of drug use among male students than female students [3]. Additionally, youth with lower socioeconomic status are at higher risk for engaging in substance use [5] . Being high-risk is categorized as involving the misuse of prescription drugs, illicit drug use, and/or injection drug use, all of which can lead to consequences such as injury, criminal involvement, and school dropout.
Education plays a pivotal role in preventing teen illicit drug use by providing adolescents with the knowledge and skills necessary to make informed decisions about substance use. Organizations such as the CDC Division of Adolescent and School Health (DASH) and the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) promote education on drug abuse. Through initiatives like the School Health Policies and Practices Study (SHPPS), DASH works to implement effective health education programs about teen drug abuse [6][7]. Similarly, NIDA conducts research, develops education materials, and funds prevention programs [8]. Through education, teens can better understand the implications of their choices and develop the tools necessary to resist the allure of illicit drugs, ultimately leading to healthier and more fulfilling lives.
As we move forward, it is necessary to address the consequences of adolescent substance abuse in our changing world. Every day another adolescent falls prey to the hidden consequences of drug use. Effective education given to our youth can create a supportive environment that promotes healthy choices and reduces the prevalence of high-risk substance abuse among adolescents. Collective efforts from families, schools, communities, and policymakers are crucial in protecting our youth against substance abuse.
References:
6. Adolescent and School Health (DASH) | CDC. (n.d.). https://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/index.htm