Just like how drugs can affect an adult’s brain, they can also have serious effects on a teenager’s brain as well. Many teens are not well informed about the negative effects drugs have on their health and are enticed to take drugs because of the buzz they can get based on the movies they watch, music they listen to, magazines they read and the type of friends they hang out with. Considering the possible mood disorders, addiction, decrease in concentration and memory function and the change of brain functions, teens have to be taught about the serious consequences of drug use in order to discourage them from even going anywhere near drugs.
Addiction And The Brain
Teenagers still have developing brains and bodies so the consumption of drugs can harm them severely. Marijuana, heroine, cocaine, ecstasy and other drugs that can be inhaled are commonly used by teenagers and drug suppliers tend to target schools and places where teens hang out in order to sell these drugs to vulnerable youngsters. The most common side effect of drugs on teens is addiction which can alter the chemical makeup of a teenager’s brain. Some teens can become addicted on the initial use, while others have to use it several times before they become addicted.
Symptoms Of Drug Use
All drugs will have different symptoms. Being aware of these symptoms will help parents easily identify if their teens are indeed taking drugs. Here are some of the common symptoms parents can watch out for:
- Responsibilities are neglected such as skipping classes and failing to do household chores
- Relationship problems occur such as fights with friends, siblings, parents and other people
- Change in behavior, personality and constant secrecy with every activity
- Mood swings, irritability and sudden outbursts
- Risks are taken such as driving even without supervision or license, engaging in unprotected sex and the like
- The sudden loss of interest with old hobbies and being secretive about new hobbies
- The feeling of paranoia, anxiousness, fearfulness, lethargy and agitated in certain situations
- Trouble with the law such as stealing, disorderly conduct, driving under the influence and vandalism occurs consistently
- The demand for more privacy even if privacy is already given
The Side Effects Of Drugs On Health
It is important that teenagers are informed about the side effects of drugs on their health as this is one way parents can teach them that drugs are dangerous. Some of these side effects are:
- Loss of short term memory
- Inability to learn properly
- Slower brain and body development
- Poorly developed motor skills
- Conduct disorders
- Impaired thinking
- Affected sexual development
- Eating disorders
- Suicidal tendencies
- Depression
- Seizures
- Damaged brain blood vessels
- Psychiatric disorders
- Reduced brain function
- Impaired coordination
- Tremors
- Poor sleep patterns
- Weight loss or weight gain
- Poor grooming habits
- Body odor and bad breath
Parents will feel fear, confusion and anger upon the discovery of their teen’s drug use. However, it is essential that parents remain calm when discussing the situation with their teenagers and make sure that it is understood that the concern felt is out of love. In order to help teens deal with a drug problem, parents must determine how their child came to have possession of the drugs, how long the usage has been and seek the necessary help needed to deal with the situation.
Citations:
- Photographed by taliesin.
Attached Images:
License: Royalty Free or iStock source: http://mrg.bz/5ipFFn
Valerie Clearwater is a freelance writer specializing in criminal cases concerning drugs and teenagers. She regularly contributes articles to legal websites where well experienced Savitz Law professionals can be consulted.
