In high school, kids might find themselves subject to different temptations. They may not be used to the temptations before they enter the 9th grade. When they enter, they might be tempted to abuse different forms of drugs and alcohol. The kids may not be aware of how difficult the drugs or alcohol can be for them. Once they have abused them, they could be experiencing some side effects from the drugs or alcohol.
It could lead to disastrous consequences for the children. For any teens, you may wish to educate yourself or your loved one on different situations they could encounter:
1) Peer Pressure
The most basic situation a teen could encounter is when all the other kids are abusing drugs or alcohol. They might feel tempted to follow suit because high school is a time where kids are becoming adults. They are learning more about themselves. If drugs or alcohol are the way to go, you or your loved one could feel tempted to abuse the drugs.
2) Pop Culture
Believe it or not, the pop culture around you might be a huge temptation for you or your loved one. If you watch television or movies, there may be a big temptation for your family to experience the drugs or alcohol. According to the Partnership for Drug-Free Kids, 47 percent of teens think movies or TV shows make them think drugs or alcohol are OK things to use. Teens between ages 12-17 watched 3 or more “R” rated movies each month. The Partnership noted they are 6 times more likely to abuse marijuana and 5 times more likely to abuse alcohol in comparison to those who did not watch the movies.
3) Being Bored
Sometimes, the most basic reason is boredom. Teens might not want to be alone and have a need to keep themselves occupied. Abusing drugs or alcohol allows them to feel as if they are doing something and fill an emptiness within their heart. It allows teens to have something in common with which they can interact free of anxiety.
4) Rebelling
Teens might not wish to follow the same path as their parents or older friends. They may think by going against the wishes of those loved ones, it is showing their power. However, it might lead only to a further exacerbation of the troubles of kids feeling misunderstood and confused.
5) Not Confident
Some kids, often times, might need drugs or alcohol to loosen up and feel more confident in themselves. It may allow them to do things they may have never thought before such as kissing a girl or ignoring their annoying voice they speak with. Teenagers with self-esteem issues may find counseling or therapy more helpful.
6) Not Informed
Teens may simply not be aware of the terrible side effects, which alcohol and drugs can lead to. For them, it might be a way to fit in or relax. However, they may find the drugs or alcohol cause them lots of terrible side effects. The side effects could be potentially deadly too. It might be important to protect any loved ones against such abuse.
While drugs and alcohol may prove tempting for you or your loved one, they can lead to disastrous consequences. Education might be the biggest challenge you or your loved one faces. If you already have an addiction to either, seeking treatment may be your best bet for a successful recovery. For the future, you might wish to avoid either of them, so you do not experience the consequences of using them both.
