The Psychology of Teens Abusing Prescription Drugs
Understanding why teens abuse prescription drugs involves embarking on a careful observation of the nature of the drugs and those who use them. Readily available and legal, prescription drugs offer something to young people who are otherwise unexposed to drugs. Furthermore, the popularity and perceived lack of danger of prescription pills reinforces this trend in teenage drug use. Parents of teens often overlook the possibility that their child will abuse illegal drugs for various reasons including an inability to obtain them, but this obstacle disappears when prescription drugs become an option.
Convenience
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration reports that over 45 percent of teens who abuse prescription drugs get them from a friend or family member. The convenience of being able to obtain a legal high without the need for money or interaction with a stranger is one reason teens opt for this method of drug abuse.
Perceived Safety
Since doctors prescribe the medication, and they are used by parents and are safe and legal, many teenagers misconceive the dangers of using prescription drugs. Overdosing or mixing a deadly combination of pills can occur with just a small amount and worse still is the hazard of blending the drugs with alcohol. Teens typically overlook or ignore these risks.
Peer Pressure
When all the cool kids are doing it, abusing prescription drugs becomes a way to climb the social ladder. Kids who offer prescription drugs to friends find themselves invited to parties more often. When the teen feels that he may not fit in by just bringing the pills to the party, participation becomes a way to earn more respect and admiration.
Emotional Problems
Underlying emotional problems are often the motivation for teens who decide to give prescription drug use a try. Unable to cope using conventional methods, teens turn to drugs. Even if the teen seems to be handling everything okay, a parent or therapist should acknowledge times of stress. Treating an emotionally distraught child is necessary to avoid drug abuse.
Parental Use
Since parents use prescription drugs legitimately, teens often feel it is okay to use them. Even if prescription drugs are not in the home or used by parents, the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University found that kids who see their parents drink alcohol or abuse other substances are prone to use prescription drugs offered by their peers.
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