Chemical Dependency

As parents, we want to protect our teens from harm so they can have a bright future ahead. One of the biggest challenges that is rapidly getting out of control is chemical dependency among teenagers. It’s hard enough to be a teenager, even without adding drug or alcohol use into the mix; yet more and more youth are resorting to these dangerous behaviors as an escape from the pressure of today’s reality. What are those pressures? While some may argue that these problems stem from personal choices, professionals believe otherwise. Chemical dependency is also not just a physical dependence on substances. It is also a psychological one, especially for teenagers who are still discovering their identity and navigating life’s stresses. With so many different influences, parents and caregivers alike need to understand the biggest risks for teenagers. Then we can equip younger generations with effective coping mechanisms rather than letting them spiral down destructive paths. According to recent studies, substance dependence in teenagers has been steadily rising in this decade more than in any other decade in history. It’s time we all got together as educators, caregivers, and families alike to address the root causes proactively and stop this scourge. The data most experts have accumulated through scientific studies unlock many of the root causes of teen addiction. Triggers for Teen Chemical Dependence from Highest to Lowest The leading cause of chemical dependency in teens, according to a recent study by SAMHSA, the country’s Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, is peer pressure. It accounts for an average of thirty percent of chemical dependency triggers among adolescents. A close second risk factor has been seen in teenagers who reported having a close family member with substance abuse issues. The reports say these kids are three times more likely to [...]