In the last month, 2.08 million or 8.33 percent of 12- to 17-year-olds have been reported using drugs nationwide. With easy access to substances and increasing societal pressures, many teenagers are turning to drugs as a coping mechanism. Experts say this not only jeopardizes their immediate health and safety, but it also leads to a strong decline in their academic outcomes.
Young individual’s brains continue to grow and develop until their mid-to-late 20s. The part of the brain that takes the longest to develop is the prefrontal cortex. According to the National Institutes of Health, the prefrontal cortex is thought of as the “personality center” and is the cortical region that makes us uniquely human. It can also affect decision making. Students may be more likely to do risky things, such as dangerous driving. Experts say the earlier teenagers start using drugs, the greater their chances of continuing to use them and becoming addicted later in life. Taking drugs when you are young can contribute to the development of adult health problems, such as heart disease, high blood pressure and sleep disorders. The drugs that are most commonly used by young people are alcohol, tobacco and marijuana. Recently, more young people have started vaping with tobacco and marijuana.
Research shows that there is a definite link between teen substance abuse and how well teenagers do in school. Studies show teens who abuse drugs tend to have lower grades, a higher rate of absence from school and have an increased potential for dropping out of school. Marijuana, for example, affects your attention, memory and ability to learn. Its effects can last for days or weeks after the drug wears off. If you are smoking marijuana daily, you are not functioning at your best. Studies show students who smoke marijuana tend to get lower grades and are more likely to drop out of high school. One recent study conducted by the National Institutes of Health showed that heavy marijuana use in teen years throughout adulthood can reduce IQ up to as much as eight points. High school dropout rates have also risen as a result of substance abuse. Frequent drug use among dropouts is also more likely than students who regularly attend school, studies show. Dropouts are more likely to be current marijuana users than those in school (27.3 percent vs. 15.3 percent) and non-medical users of prescription drugs (9.5 percent vs. 5.1 percent), according to Just Think Twice.
Drug use in teens has been on a consistent rise in the past few months. Whether it is nicotine, tobacco or marijuana, drugs are extremely dangerous for adolescent teenagers. Drugs can severely affect immediate health and safety, and they can lead to academic failure. Do not be persuaded by others to harm your body and your mind. You determine your own future.
