In a study that was done in 2022 by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), it was suggested that 59.8% of teenagers use substances that could harm their bodies and minds. These substances include nicotine, alcohol and other illicit drugs. The test started with ages ranging from 12 and above. It has been noted that using drugs and alcohol as a high schooler would also prove to affect a student’s performance both inside the classroom and outside of it.
According to SAMHSA, out of all the different illegal substances that high schoolers may use, alcohol was the most common. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), high school students who use alcohol are more likely to suffer from school-related issues, such as lower grades and a higher rate of absences. The CDC also states that high schoolers who use alcohol are more prone to have physical, social and legal problems. The Youth Risk Survey which had been performed by the CDC in 2021 proved that of high schoolers, 23% drank, 11% binge drank, 5% drove after drinking and 14% drove with someone who was under the influence of alcohol.
“Neurological development and severe mental health problems can result from teen substance abuse. Mental health challenges can include depression, developmental delays, anxiety, personality disorders and suicidal ideation,” greenhillrecovery.com stated.
It has been scientifically proven that the human brain does not stop developing until the age of approximately 26 years old. This causes teenagers who abuse substances to have problems later in life due to their use. According to frontiers.org, youth substance abuse can lead to more long-term effects and health related problems. Teenagers who begin any sort of substance abuse around the age of 15 are more prone to have issues with addiction in the future. They also state that substance abuse can cause a heap of mental health problems, learning disabilities and cause short-term memory loss.
The question that many be asked is, why would a high schooler participate in illegal activities if they knew what the consequences might be? Many teenagers do it for five different reasons. The first reason is to fit in, whether you are at a party or with a group of friends, you may experience peer pressure to try different things. The second reason is to feel good; your mind releases a chemical called dopamine, also known as “the feel-good chemical.” Getting dopamine from a substance form mimics the same as if you were to have natural dopamine, which can come from spending time with people you care for or doing something good. The third reason why high schoolers may abuse substances is to feel better, whether that be mentally and/or physically. The fourth reason some may use substances is to enhance either their athletic or academic performance. The last reason many teenagers use different substances is to experience something new.
As this all has been proven, high schoolers still continue to abuse drugs commonly. However, changing your lifestyle is possible and can prevent damage to yourself now and later in life. Surrounding yourself with friends who don’t participate in harmful activities is a good first step. It is common to reflect on the actions of those whom you surround yourself with. Drug abuse is most common in high schools, even if many cannot see it. Not only does it hurt your body and mind, but it also affects the kind of person you are.