In the past 3 years, ecstacy use in teenagers has risen 67%, 1 in 10 teenagers now use it. Marijuana use has also risen 22% with 4 in 10 teenagers using it. Teens say that smoking pot is not out of the norm "smoking cigarettes is looked down upon more than smoking pot" says senior Samantha Gerson. As for alcohol, 71% of teens have a drink before they leave high school. The average age teens start drinking is 14 and some even start as young as 12. After a steady decline in substance and alcohol abuse in the last decade, many campaigns to speak out against these issues have stopped airing in efforts to cut the government budget. Now the statistics are up to a dangerous number, with many teenagers partying, drinking, taking drugs and overdosing.
Teenagers by nature are curious and experimental. This unfortunately leads them to drugs and alchol. Part of the problem is that drug use and drinking are idealized in the media today. Songs, music videos, and movies advertise that doing drugs and getting wasted are a mark of fame and will make you cool. These vices can also be an outlet for teenagers who are stressed, depressed, or bored. Drug use and alcohol abuse are especially dangerous for teenagers because their brains are not fully developed. Statistics also show that kids who drink are much more likely to grow up with an addiction to alcohol. Another appeal to drinking and drug use is the fact that it is illegal, and sometimes people get a high from breaking the rules. With all of this said, campaigns should be restored to discourage the use of drugs and alcohol but the parents and the kids ultimately hold the real power. Parents can be loving, encouraging and supportive of their children so that they do not want to fill a void in their life with drugs or alcohol. Curious teenagers can use self control, say no and mean it. Despite what anyone says, teenagers ARE capable of making their own choices even if they sometimes don't like to admit it.
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