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It is both alarming and heartbreaking to watch the steady rise in substance addiction throughout the world, and this begins with substance abuse, often beginning in the tumultuous teen years. There are almost as many causes as there are teen situations and emotions themselves, but all of these can be broken down into three major root problems. These three issues are emotional troubles, extreme insecurity/low self-esteem and medical problems that have gone undiagnosed or untreated.

*Emotional troubles

The teen years are full of conflicting emotions that range from elation to depression and see everything in between. When a bump is thrown in this emotional road, such as a clinical emotional problem, everything begins to go haywire and bounce all over the place. A young person can only feel so much pain and confusion before they begin looking for some relief. This often takes the form of drugs and alcohol in an effort to alter the true reality of their feelings. It is important for parents to take the troubles of their teen seriously, rather than just brushing it off to typical teen angst and get them professional help when necessary.

These extreme emotional troubles can come from school bullying, stresses at home such as an abusive or neglectful parent, feelings of failure and inability to succeed, boyfriend/girlfriend situations, financial stress or poverty in the family, and many others. The first step that parents can take is to ensure that the teen's home is a safe and comforting place they can turn to in the midst of problems that occur. Parents must set an example of sobriety for the young person to see and hopefully, follow. Children of substance abusers have a much higher chance of becoming abusers themselves. Although the home of teens cannot ensure them complete freedom from the chances of falling into substance abuse, it does increase the odds one way or the other.

*Insecurity/low self-esteem

We all want to fit in with one group or another. This is especially true of teens. They need to feel the support and approval of their peers. Teens are social creatures with the need to have friends they can talk to, have fun with and just "hang out" with. When young people feel llike they are outcasts from the average teen groups, they tend to find a group of other loners to cling to. More often than not, these groups are prone to drug and alcohol experimentation as they all seek relief from their troubles. In addition, the substance used can make them feel empowered

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