The experts tell us that teen drug abuse statistics are looking better. And, overall, they do. They also show a shift in the substances that teens abuse now. Moreover, statistical rate drops don’t mean anything to you if your teen is struggling with an addiction.
There are many things to consider before talking about teenage drug abuse statistics. Not all teens will become addicted to drugs if they experiment, but some could become addicted even after only one time trying it. Addiction is a disease and does not discriminate. It doesn’t matter what social or financial background your teen comes from, addiction can happen to them. This means that if you suspect that they are struggling with drug abuse, then it’s entirely possible that they are.
Do you know the signs of teen drug abuse and addiction that are red flags for you to take action? Do you have the tools to help your teenager through their struggle? If not, then please continue reading so that you can be better prepared for this conversation.
If you need immediate answers about a substance abuse treatment program, call us at 866.957.7885 today.
Statistical Evidence Shows Decrease in Substance Abuse and Shift in Thinking
The National Institute on Drug Abuse for Teachers (NIDA) released an infographic summarizing its 2019 teen drug abuse survey findings. It’s crucial to note that they feature responses by teens in grades 8, 10, and 12. Nearly 400 schools participated, which resulted in a response from around 42,500 students.
- Marijuana use is up for younger students. Data shows that over 6.6% of 8th graders and 18.4% of 10th graders use marijuana. Both trends show a upward motion. However, nearly 23% of 12th graders use the drug, which is an upward trend.
- Older students don’t see marijuana as harmful. In fact, 70% of 12th graders don’t believe that regular use is detrimental even though 69% claim they don’t approve of it.
- Alcohol consumption is prevalent among high school seniors. Although drinking among teens is going down overall, high school seniors are abusing the substance at a rate of 58.5%.
- Prescription drug abuse rates have also dropped among 12th graders. The misuse of prescription opioids has dropped from 4.8% in 2014 to 1.1% in 2019 of high school seniors.
What Statistics on Teen Drug Abuse Don’t Say
Even though smoking rates among high schoolers are going down, there is a concerning increase in vaping, which has become a prevalent trend among teenagers. While it may appear that the anti-smoking message is reaching young people, the allure of new and “cool” nicotine products is driving this shift. This raises the question: could there be new methods of delivering other drugs in the future, further complicating the issue?
Another disconcerting issue is the recent data from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), revealing a troubling two-fold increase in overdose deaths across the country. Opioids, in particular, have experienced a massive surge in fatalities. Although deaths related to prescription drugs have remained relatively stable, there has been a sharp rise in heroin-related deaths. This highlights the urgent need for comprehensive approaches to address the opioid crisis, including prevention, treatment, and harm reduction strategies.
Alcohol Is the Highest Risk to Teens
Interestingly, the Foundation for a Drug-Free World highlights that alcohol alone causes more teenage deaths than all other drugs combined. This underscores the importance of addressing not only illicit drugs but also legal substances like alcohol, in efforts to protect the well-being of young individuals.
It is crucial to acknowledge that not every teenager who uses drugs openly discusses it. There is a whole group of young individuals who remain silent, either due to feeling unsafe or simply not wanting to disclose personal information to interviewers. Moreover, it is challenging to determine the representativeness of survey respondents, as factors like social desirability bias and underreporting can impact the accuracy of data. Therefore, if you are a parent of a teenager, it is important not to assume that your child is safe solely based on statistics. Remaining vigilant, fostering open communication, and being aware of potential warning signs are key to ensuring the well-being of young people.
Teen Drug Abuse Treatment
At San Antonio Recovery Center, we know that teen drug abuse is a disease. That’s why we treat a variety of substance addictions—we want to help your teen overcome the disease that is addiction. Our teen drug abuse treatment centers offer rehab programs that can help you.
From withdrawal and detox on through to therapy, San Antonio Recovery Center is with you every step of the way. No matter the substance, the intensity of your teen’s addiction, or how long your teen has been addicted, we can help your family. Forms of teen drug abuse treated at San Antonio Recovery Center include:
- Adderall Addiction
- Alcohol Addiction
- Ambien Addiction
- Benzo Addiction
- Cocaine Addiction
- Codeine Addiction
- Crack Addiction
- Crystal Meth Addiction
- Fentanyl Addiction
- Heroin Addiction
- Hydrocodone Addiction
- Klonopin Addiction
- Marijuana Addiction
- MDMA Addiction
- Meth Addiction
- Methadone Addiction
- Opiate Addiction
- Opioid Addiction
- Oxycodone Addiction
- Oxycontin Addiction
- Percocet Addiction
- Polysubstance Addictions
- Prescription Drug Addiction
- Tramadol Addiction
- Valium Addiction
- Vicodin Addiction
- Xanax Addiction
A Teen Outpatient Drug Treatment Center Can Help
Whether you’ve recently discovered that your teenager has been abusing drugs or if he or she has bravely confessed to drug use, please remember that there is always hope. Affordable addiction rehab programs are available to provide your teen with the opportunity to recover through a personalized treatment plan tailored to their specific needs. If you, as a teenager, find yourself caught in the difficult cycle of drug addiction, please don’t give up.
It’s important to know that many health insurance plans cover the cost of addiction rehab, making it more accessible than you might think. Reach out to the compassionate and knowledgeable therapists at the San Antonio Recovery Center by calling 866.957.7885 today. They are ready to provide the support and guidance you need on your path to recovery.
