by Ann E. Smith

Created on: October 22, 2008   Last Updated: November 16, 2010

Films and books for generations have portrayed the troubled teen and substance abuse. "Rebel Without A Cause," "The Outsiders," and "Grease" are classics about teens and rebellion. In all of these films, the cool guys drink and smoke, and they know how to get the girl. With stars like James Dean, Matt Dillon and John Travolta, these movies captured the essence of the handsome but misunderstood and troubled teenage boy, who is reckless with his choices but passionate about living to the fullest.

That often dangerous combination of recklessness and passion inhabits many a teen, and that is probably one of the primary reasons that so many teenagers become substance abusers. Alcohol and drugs are very seductive to those who are looking to break the rules and who are seeking life on the edge, and so it is no surprise that many teens try drinking and dabble into drugs.

There are several other reasons that substance abuse is common amongst teens. In some ways, whether we adults like to admit it or not, drinking and drugs are rites of passage for youth. Unfortunately, though, young people lack a great deal of life experience and judgment, which can be deadly as they experiment with substances that impair their judgment and make them feel even more invincible.

Additionally, teens often see their counterparts on TV and in movies go all out when it comes to partying, just as in the aforementioned movies. So, they actually get the message that it is cool to drink and smoke, or to shoot up drugs or take ecstasy, among other things.

Peer pressure of course is another factor in the equation that leads to substance abuse amongst the young. Often those who are reluctant to drink are laughed at by their peers, and being made fun of can often lead to their doing things just to fit in with the others.

Finally, a real reason that substance abuse and the teenage years go hand in hand is the effect that beer and drugs have on kids during those often awkward and self-conscious years. Alcohol provides an escape. It gives kids courage, as in liquid courage.

Awkward social situations become easier after drinking a beer or do, as does asking out the pretty girl from English class. Jokes are funnier when drinking, and it sure is less scary to bust a move on the dance floor after a shot of liquor.

Many teens, once started down the path of substance abuse, find the power of drink or drugs to be too great for them. It is during these years that many a drug problem takes root. However, many other teens who drink during this time will turn out just fine.

Unfortunately, there is no crystal ball and no determinant as to which teenagers can handle drinking or drugs better than others, and for all, substance abuse can create many risks and problems.

While there are clear risks, the fact remains that alcohol and drugs will be part of the teenage experience for countless kids. It's just the way it always has been and always will be. The best we can do as adults is to try to inform teens of the possible dangers, stay as in touch with them as we can when they are out and about, and say a prayer for their safety.

We luckily made it through those years and can sigh with relief that we no longer feel the great need to be cool. The trouble with trouble, after all, is it starts out as fun.

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