Several national studies show that drug abuse has increased and adolescents’ perception of their risk has decreased. Marijuana continues to be the number one favorite among American teens, with nearly seven percent of high school seniors smoking it every day. However, a new evil has reared its ugly head: synthetic drugs. These powerful substances are promoted as a safer alternative to illicit drugs like marijuana, but are actually mind-altering chemicals that lead to violent and erratic behavior, including suicide and physical abuse. More than eleven percent of seniors reported using synthetic marijuana and other synthetic drugs in the past year.

Prescription drug abuse continues to plague teens. In 2012, nearly fifteen percent of high school seniors reported nonmedical use of pharmaceuticals in the past year. The most widely abused prescription drugs by teens are Adderall, a stimulant used to treat ADHD, and the pain reliever Vicodin.

Ecstasy is another popular substance among teenagers. It is extremely addictive with a high potential for overdose. It is most commonly found at parties and concerts, especially among the electronic dance music (EDM) crowd.

Signs of teen drug abuse

In addition to knowing what’s out there, it’s important to become familiar with the signs of abuse so you can fend off storms before they become hurricanes. Each drug has its own specific manifestations, but with all drug abuse you are likely to see:

• Sudden and unexpected behavior changes

• Seclusion; withdrawing from friends and family

• Severe mood swings

• Unusual sleep patterns, such as staying up all night and sleeping all day

• Loss of interest in hobbies, sports, or other activities that used to be of interest

• Changes in grooming: users often have a unkempt appearance

• Red, bloodshot, or glassy eyes

• Runny nose

Things a teacher can do to stop bullying

People react to drug addiction in various ways. Some shrug their shoulders in hopeless resignation. Others feel hurt, angry, and betrayed. Many assume that users lack moral principles or tenacity. However, it is not always that simple. Drug addiction is a complex condition, and the web of reasons for the abuse often has to be untangled before true recovery can take place.

Physical rehabilitation is essential, as it allows the user to break free of the drugs’ toxic hold on the body. However, the recovery does not end there. The user must accept their reasons for use if they want to avoid a relapse. It may be the people in your life, a lack of direction, or a desire to fit in with peers that led you to your drug abuse in the first place.

The easiest way to stop drug abuse is through prevention. Drug education is extremely effective in preventing abuse and addiction. Talk to your students about drug and alcohol abuse. Encourage open discussion. Do not punish curiosity. And don’t abandon students who resort to drug abuse, unless you want to lose them entirely.