Why do teens use alcohol and drugs?
Young people use alcohol and drugs for many of the same reasons adults do: • because their friends do • to feel more comfortable in social settings • sometimes to manage their moods • to cope with stress and pain in their lives This isn’t surprising, since teens see many adults regularly drinking alcohol at family celebrations, while watching sports events and with friends in social settings. These adults may see drinking and drunkenness among young people as a part of growing up. Also, movies aimed at teens often depict alcohol or other drug use at parties as normal behaviour. Some youth with mental health issues also use substances to help manage their symptoms. Youth with anxiety disorders, for example, may use marijuana or alcohol to become calmer. Teens with attention deficit disorder who are not on medications may use stimulants to improve their concentration. The reality There is no epidemic of illegal drug use among adolescents, and substance abuse disorders are not common. And
