Unfortunately, teens using drugs continues to be a large issue in our society. The exact reasons that teens begin using drugs can vary depending on their particular difficulties, upbringing, and environment. However, this is an issue everywhere in the nation. Realistically, every drug out there can potentially become a problem for teens. However, there are particular drugs that tend to be more common among this age group. Continue reading to find out the drugs that teens are most likely to use.

Alcohol

Alcohol is one of the most problematic drugs when it comes to substance abuse in teens. Despite legal age limits for the purchase and consumption of alcohol, it is not exactly difficult for teens to obtain it. Some teens may obtain it by stealing it from their parents. Also, they may have an older friend that can purchase it for them. Whatever the case may be, there continue to be teen parties with high rates of alcohol abuse. Alcohol can be incredibly detrimental to teens because of their developing brains and bodies. Plus, teens often do not know their limits, which can lead them to experience alcohol intoxication.

Marijuana

Marijuana is another drug that has been quite popular among teens for numerous years. Although, according to a 2019 study by the Journal of the American Medical Association, there has been a 9% decline in frequent marijuana use by teens since the legalization of the drug in many states. While a decline is always a great step, it is still highly popular among teens. Marijuana is relatively easy to obtain, with there being numerous sellers everywhere and a teen could have an older friend purchase it for them in states where it is legal. Heavy marijuana use by teens can lead to cognitive difficulties, accidents from impaired driving, and more.

Stimulants

Stimulants can be a very broad category of substances, but here it is referring to prescription medications like Ritalin and Adderall. These medications are typically to treat Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), but it is easy for teens to abuse them. These drugs can improve concentration and alertness, which can be appealing to teens for a couple of different reasons. Firstly, it may sound like fun to them, but some may also use these drugs in attempts to improve their academic performance or to stay up late studying for an important test. Teens using drugs in attempts to improve their school performance is a double-edged sword because it could also lead them down the road to substance abuse, which will likely become detrimental to their education.

Synthetic Marijuana

There are two primary types of synthetic marijuana out there, which would be Spice and K2. Unfortunately, some teens tend to have the impression that synthetic marijuana is better and less harmful than normal marijuana, but this is far from the truth. These drugs are basically created by spraying cannabinoid-type chemicals onto herbal mixtures. The problem is that there is no standardization to this process and these drugs can contain harmful chemicals. These drugs were made largely illegal some years ago and there has fortunately been a decline in their use.

Looking for Accurate Methods to Test for Teens Using Drugs?

Unfortunately, substance abuse in teenagers can be a massive issue. When they start using this early, it can lead to large developmental issues. This is why it is important to catch substance abuse in teens as early as possible. When there are signs of teens using drugs, it can be a good idea to administer a drug test to find out what exactly they are using. This is where Soteria Screening Labs can help, as we offer numerous types of extensive tests that can be used to find out what a teen has been using and allow the parents to get them the help needed. If you have any questions, please give us a call at (202) 679-6670 or email us at info@soteriascreening.com.