by Willow Lissette

Created on: October 23, 2008

There are a number of things that factor into substance abuse in teens.

-Peer pressure is a leading cause. You might be at a party where there are drugs and alcohol availible. You might decide to just try it. You like it. You keep doing it, and before you know it your addicted.

-Low self esteem and low self worth is another cause. Drugs might make you feel better about yourself. It is only masking your feelings. Getting drunk or high might make you feel better for a little bit, but in the long run, it will only make you feel worse.

-Stress factors in as well. Teens are under alot of stress. They have to have the perfect body, the best grades, and be the best at the sport they play. Society tells them you must be the best at everything. When a teen fails or doesn't measure up to the other students, this can cause low self esteem and escalate into substance abuse.

-Some teens might have parents that are substance abusers, this could lead them down the road as well. If they see mom and dad drinking or doing drugs, they might say, hey mom and dad are doing it so its ok for me. So they start using and following in the paths of their parents.

-Just wanting to rebel against your parents. Rebelling against you parents is what teens do, some do it by dying their hair purple, others try to get tattoo's and piercing's. Some also turn to drugs for the shock value. You might say hey they don't want me to do this or that, but I will, I'll show them I can do what I want when I want.

We as parents want our children to succeed in everything they do, but sometimes we can take it a little too far. When we do cross that line and put more pressure on our kids it makes them feel like they are not good enough so they need to strive harder and harder until they break down. Some teens might turn to drugs to relieve the pressure and make themselves feel better just for a little bit. On the other hand some parents don't give their kids the attention they want and need. Both can lead to a teen not feeling the best about themselves and turning to substance abuse.

If you are a teen and find yourself using drugs or alcohol talk to someone. There are plenty of people around you. Your parents will listen and help you. Your guidance counselor or a teacher you trust at school. Even your friends or a friends parent. If you find yourself becoming addicted please talk to someone and get help. There are many places to go for help. You can jump on line at anytime and find people to talk to for help, you can call your friends or a trusted family member. Who ever you turn to for help, should be there to listen and not judge you. They will be happy you are trying to get help for yourself.

Learn more about this author, Willow Lissette.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.