Teenagers are faced with many life altering decisions and are often influenced by friends, family and social media. Unfortunately, many teenagers are making the wrong decisions and turning to other outlets such as drugs and alcohol. Due to these decisions, the rate of drug and alcohol use is on the rise and our society seems to be a part of this problem.
Between the ages of twelve and nineteen is a period in a teenager’s life that determines what kind of adult he or she will become. This period of adolescence, is known as the “formative years. Parents teach their children at a very young age the importance of friendship. Many friendships begin as early as pre-school. Adults begin ...view middle of the document...
To look like skinny perfect female or the very sturdy, muscular male is another pressure that teens are faced with. This type of body is not what the average person reflects but to a young teenager, this is what he or she wants to be, what he or she wants to look like. Drugs, such as speeders to lose weight and steroids to build muscle are the route that some teenagers take in order to achieve the look that they are told in the media is the way that everyone should look.
Teenagers spend the majority of their time in school and with family. Schools and families must find ways to balance an adolescent’s need for greater independence with firm boundaries and limits while staying focused on any changes in hobbies and activities; abandoning old friends in exchange for new ones; mood swings and periods of depressing; strange behavior and a dramatic change in school grades and quality. These are all signs of possible drug or alcohol use. As a parent, teacher or mentor, it is our responsibility to know the warning signs and become familiar with all the resources available.
Drugs have no rightful place anywhere in society; however, they have even less of a place in...