Lucia Gonzalez

Mr. Chiang-Schultheiss

English 1, MW 8-9:30am

May 19, 1997

Mike had a normal childhood, had many friends, was lovable, intelligent, and considerate until about the age of thirteen. He started replacing his old friends with new ones. Mike's grades fell, and he no longer showed interest in school. Mike's parents never could have imagined that Mike was smoking marijuana. They first tried to blame everything else like the wrong crowd. If only they could have seen the signs sooner, there might of been a way from preventing that from happening. Fortunately, Mike received treatment and is very active in his community drug abuse programs.

Being able to read the signs of drug abuse is essential to prevent the teen from further use. Marijuana is one form of drug . It is most frequently used by pre-teens and teenagers, and it often leads to further experimentation with other drugs. It is very easily attainable by adolescents, and it is fairly inexpensive. Its price range varies, but the lowest price is $10.00, of course, this form of marijuana is the less quality one. Recent studies have show that smoking marijuana among teens has increased, or doubled in the past year and a half.

Marijuana is very harmful, and can cause many side effects. It can affect and damage many or all of the bodies vital organs. But confusion, and memory impairment tend to be the worst, and most common of the side effects. Also, panic, fear, and depression are very dangerous side effects, can if not treated, lead to suicidal thoughts, or suicide itself. Marijuana can also be used as a pain killer, but when the high comes down the teen will need more of the same marijuana to kill the pain. A cycle is formed that is very addictive.

Many teens turn to drugs because they have pressures and anxiety. All teens need help with dealing with the pressure, or anxiety because if they do not receive help they will turn to drugs. Understanding the underlying problem will help each teen realize that pressure, and anxiety is a normal part of everyone's life. If teens have someone to turn to it will surely prevent them from turning to drugs.

There are many reasons teens turn to drugs. Many parents do not understand why the teen would use drugs. Peer pressure is when many teens become followers, and imitate the groups that they want to be apart of. Teens feel insecure, and want to belong to a group, they will do just about anything to be a part of that group. As we saw with Mike, he changed his old friends with new friends. This new crowd most of the time is the reason that teens start using. Peer pressure is such a strong factor that it can undo the progress made in therapy in a very short period of time. The teen must become motivated during treatment to drop their peer group if the teen is to achieve sobriety.

Another reason is rebellion. A teenager normally tries to develop a sense of self- worth, and independence. The teen is displeased with their parents, and feels that they are her enemies. Usually rebellion is the first step towards drug abuse, and drug addiction. The family should receive counseling, or therapy to try, and discuss why the teen is so anger at their parents when signs of rebellion are presented .

The last reason is low self-esteem . One way teens avoid feeling bad about themselves is to get high, they ignore all present problem, and any unpleasant thoughts. The main goal of the parent to help the teen improve their self-esteem. Also, encouragement, and a lot of support makes a teen feel better about themselves, and they feel happier. Families that show support, and love are fare better than those that only communicate their dissatisfactions. It much easier to change in a loving environment than in a hostile one. Thus, preventing teens from turning to drugs.

Preventing teen drug abuse is possible. Parents have to learn how to notice danger signs or any drastic changes that the teen is going through. These children are our kids, brothers, or sisters. Everyone must realize that drug abuse is a community problem, not just a family problem. Everyone should support parent peer groups, and drug abuse programs that are available in every community. But once parents are reasonably sure the teen is on drugs, they must initiate a dialogue. Each parent must educate themselves as well as the other children in the household. They must be involved in the problem, and the treatment. But each parent must be able to read the signs of drug abuse to prevent further use.

"How to Win The War on Drugs" World and I, Dec. 96, Vol. 11, Issue 12

"Just Say Life Skill" Time, 11/11/96, Vol. 148, Issue 22.

Alcohol Weekly, 11/18/96, Vol. 8, Issue 45.