Troubled Teens Resources

Though there are reports that teens are doing less illegal drugs, the same reports indicate that teens’ have simply replaced them with illegal prescription drugs. Teen age drug abuse remains an ongoing challenge to parents and communities.

Drugs, of course, introduce a host of other possible dire consequences. The teen’s education is trashed, sexual promiscuity, long term health problems and emotional trauma. There is no cease fire or treaties with narcotics. At least not in the foreseeable future.

More than ever, parents need facts regarding exposure to addictive drugs faced by their children, according to ASAP (Adolescent Substance Abuse Program). The program offers the following data:

• Teenagers who drink or use drugs are much more likely to be sexually active, starting sexual intercourse as early as middle school.
• Teens who start drinking before the age of 15 are four times more likely to be become alcohol dependent than those who begin drinking at the legal age of 21.
• As the use of marijuana among young people has steadily increased, the perceived risk of marijuana use has decreased.
• The number one killer of teens is alcohol-related car crashes.
• The most important factor in protecting children from drug abuse is parents, but children spend more time watching TV than they spend interacting with their parents.

(source)