TEENS AND ADDICTION

Most teens don't start using drugs expecting to develop a substance abuse problem, and while most teens probably see their drug use as a casual way to have fun, there are negative effects that are a result of this use and abuse of alcohol and other drugs. The biggest consequence to casual drug use can be that it develops into a true addiction.  Very few addicts recognize when they have crossed the line from casual use to addiction.

Most teens don't think that they will become addicted, and simply use drugs or alcohol to have a good time and be more like their friends.  When teens become addicted they lose friends, develop health problems, start to fail in school, experience memory loss, lose motivation, and alienate their family and friends with their negative behaviors and often unpredictable emotional swings.