Teens are at a stage in their life where they are finding out who they are and what they value. They want to do things on their own and they may take risks. Here are a few reasons why teens may use substances:
Myth:
Everyone is drinking.
Fact:
About 57% of grade 7 to 12 students in Ontario report not drinking at all in the past year.
Myth:
It’s natural and so it is harmless.
Fact:
Early and regular cannabis use can affect the developing brain and it is related to mental health problems.
Myth:
Everyone is using it.
Fact:
81% of youth (grade 7 to 12) report not using cannabis.
Myth:
Cannabis helps you focus.
Fact:
Regular cannabis use impairs thinking, attention, and memory.
Myth:
Cannabis makes you a better driver; it’s safer than driving after drinking alcohol.
Fact:
Cannabis use impairs driving skills and is associated with an increased risk of collisions.
Myth:
Cannabis is not addictive.
Fact:
One in six adolescents who use cannabis will develop a cannabis use disorder.
Myth:
Prescription pain medications are safer than street drugs because they are prescribed by a doctor.
Fact:
A doctor prescribes these medications to people for a specific purpose; it can harm your health if you take any medications that are not prescribed to you, it is also illegal.
A person’s brain continues to develop until about age 25. The part of the brain that is the last to develop is the frontal lobe; this part of the brain deals with emotions, concentration, impulse control, planning, and decision making. Use of substances during the teen years and early 20’s can cause long-term damage to the frontal lobe of the brain. This can cause problems in adulthood with:
There are times when teens mix energy drinks with alcohol. This is dangerous because the stimulating effects of the caffeine mask the effects of alcohol and may cause someone to drink more alcohol. This puts them at risk for alcohol poisoning.
Mixing prescription pain medications or illicit opioids with alcohol or other drugs greatly increases the risk of an overdose.
The alcohol industry has a big impact on a teen’s perceptions towards alcohol. Research shows that the more alcohol advertisements youth are exposed to, the younger they are when they start drinking. For those who are already drinking alcohol, advertising leads them to drink more.
There is also evidence that making alcohol more available leads to increased levels of drinking. Alcohol is now available in grocery stores, which may lead to increases in alcohol use over time.