Although teenage drug use has started to decline in recent years, the issue still is largely present in the United States (NIH, para.1). Knowing the harmful effects drugs can have on any individual's mind and body has not seemed to deter adolescents from continuing to take them. So, the real question that is raised remains - why do teens ignore the facts and what needs to be done in order to reduce/stop teenage drug use?
There are a number of reasons that come to mind when asked why adolescents continue to take drugs, despite the obvious and very well-known fact that drugs cause extreme damage to a person's body. One of the most influential factors to teens getting involved with illicit drugs is the thrilling nature of drugs in the media (Feldman, pg.153). Celebrities ranging from former Disney star, Zac Efron, to Oscar …show more content…
Every school should have programs in place to inform adolescents of the effects and consequences of drug use, as well as helping teens already involved with drugs to overcome addictions. However, I am aware that those who still have the urge to get involved or stay involved with illicit drug will do what they please. I also think more parents should set good examples for their children, regarding drug and alcohol usage. Awareness and counseling are, in my opinion, the most essential tools in reducing teen drug use.
On an international level, I don't think legalizing any kind of illicit drug is the right way to go about permanently reducing the issue. Nevertheless, I do believe, in some cases, legalizing the use of dangerous drugs could temporarily cause a decline of teen drug use. Part of the reason young people get involved with drugs is the very fact that it is forbidden. So, legalizing some drugs in small quantities could take a little of the excitement out of participating in something as dangerous as drugs.
There are a number of reasons that come to mind when asked why adolescents continue to take drugs, despite the obvious and very well-known fact that drugs cause extreme damage to a person's body. One of the most influential factors to teens getting involved with illicit drugs is the thrilling nature of drugs in the media (Feldman, pg.153). Celebrities ranging from former Disney star, Zac Efron, to Oscar …show more content…
Every school should have programs in place to inform adolescents of the effects and consequences of drug use, as well as helping teens already involved with drugs to overcome addictions. However, I am aware that those who still have the urge to get involved or stay involved with illicit drug will do what they please. I also think more parents should set good examples for their children, regarding drug and alcohol usage. Awareness and counseling are, in my opinion, the most essential tools in reducing teen drug use.
On an international level, I don't think legalizing any kind of illicit drug is the right way to go about permanently reducing the issue. Nevertheless, I do believe, in some cases, legalizing the use of dangerous drugs could temporarily cause a decline of teen drug use. Part of the reason young people get involved with drugs is the very fact that it is forbidden. So, legalizing some drugs in small quantities could take a little of the excitement out of participating in something as dangerous as drugs.