Drugs and safety of teens - Essay Example

? Running Head: Drugs and safety of teens Drugs and safety of teens of the paper] Drugs and safety of teens Dear Mary Fallin, I wish to introduce myself as Ashleigh Chronister, while I am expressing my severe concern, through this letter, about the addiction and use of drugs among teenagers. As I request for your precious time in reading this letter, my main concerns relate to the addictive properties of drugs and their side effects as well as future consequences for the young teens. I am trying to detail these concerns, as below. Drugs are used to escape from peer pressure Considering the peer pressure and tough competition, experienced by teenagers in the modern world; most of these youngsters find an escape route from such tension and stress by consuming the drugs. The easy availability of drugs at street corners, students’ hang-out places and even residential areas facilitates the teenagers to remain vulnerable to such drugs. The most worrisome factor that concerns most of the parents is the addictive nature of drugs, as chemical reactions caused by intake of same stimulate and excite the brain; resulting in excessive dependence on these substances repeatedly. As there is no restriction or limitation on the availability of drugs, most teens become victim of drug overdose. This has dangerous repercussions and consequences that can harm the victim mentally and physically, lifelong. Side effects of drugs While discussing on the side-effects of drugs, it is essential to understand that varied substances have different product mix and accordingly can cause several types of side-effects. However many intoxicants like alcohol and amphetamines have direct affect on human brain, as teens start consuming same for stimulation. Amphetamines are available in different forms like pills, injections or powder that can be snorted and inhaled, which causes the severe damage by getting into the blood stream. However, alcohol, being widely used in our society, is the single most addictive substance that is consumed by teenagers for getting the required stimulation. While it affects our normal brain functions like reflexes, coordination and judgment, teens try to consume an overdose of the same to escape from their psychological pressure and stress. The immediate relief experienced by them with intake of lighter drugs is responsible for the youngsters to upgrade for consuming life threatening substances like inhalants and injections that directly attack the blood cells. Due to their immediate results, in terms of experiencing the height of excitement, teens are tempted to consume such drugs, regularly. In addition, they are available freely everywhere.(Vranken, 2008) Laws and the usage of drugs Referring to the usage of drugs, I regret to underline that laws meant for preventing the drug abuse have remained irrelevant, as same could not stop their consumption by the teenagers. Contrary to the same, many teenagers have been fined and detained in the juvenile homes and rehabilitation centers. In such detention centers teenagers are placed in custody for violating the laws, mainly for their own and the society’s safety. (Hicks). However, they can interact with hardened criminals, at such centers, which can prove harmful and dangerous for their whole life. Considering such consequences of drug usage, these teenagers are closely watched by the relevant authorities, to ensure that they pay-off their debts and behave in a perfectly normal manner. Repercussions of alcohol consumption Reports of various studies conducted for this purpose have highlighted the dangerous consequences of alcohol consumption. One publication from USA government, “Prevention Alert”, has listed the side effects of teen alcohol abuse, which include learning impairments in youngsters that can severely damage their academic career. In one study, it has been found that alcohol dependant teens, in the age group of 15-16, had difficulty in remembering words and simple geometric designs, after a short interval of ten minutes. The alcohol withdrawal symptoms are indicated by the most common memory problems in adolescents. In addition, early drinkers, who start before the age of 15, are four times more likely to remain dependant on alcohol, at certain times in their lives.(Teen Drug Abuse) The other consequences of drug abuse include fatal accidents caused by faulty driving and judgment, suicidal tendencies and indulgence in high risk sexual activities; among others. (Teen Drug Abuse) These are likely to linger on, and the same can prove dangerous for the future of teenagers. Accordingly, the future affects would include persistent dependence on substance usage, serious health malfunctions and even death. Due to adverse impact on human body immunity system, the drug user can be a victim of strokes, life-threatening disease like cancer, mental abnormalities and infections. The problems of drug-consuming teenagers would start at the school level itself, in the form of poor academic results, loss of interest in academic and sports activities; apart from feeling of seclusion and social boycott in later years. This in turn would invite suicidal tendencies and indulgence in activities that involve increased violence. Challenges involved However, stopping teenagers from using drugs remains a big challenge for all of us. I think several measures can be taken in this direction. These include steps to ensure non-availability of drugs and other addictive substances to teenagers, action by enforcement officers to detect illegal drug trafficking among teenagers and testing for drug consumption in schools. In addition, the state education department should ensure that every school has a mandatory program for educating the students on the adverse affects of drug abuse. It is worth mentioning here, that launching of “National Drug Campaign” in 2001, by the federal government has helped in this direction, by informing teens about the harmful and dangerous consequences of drugs. (Nguyen). However, it is essential that parents are educated about their role in assessing the needs of their young children and consequences of drug abuse. Crux of the problem As submitted by me above, the problem of drug consumption has severe and dangerous repercussions, not only for our youngsters but for the society at large. However, the crux of this problem lies in the easy access to drugs. Since, all kinds of inhalants, drugs and alcohol are available very easily to anyone, irrespective of the age; our teenagers are vulnerable to purchase the same, without any difficulty, supposedly to relieve their peer pressure. In addition, I have experienced the easy availability of drugs around the street corners, in the vicinity of schools and colleges, which facilitates teenage students to consume the same, without knowledge of their parents. I am sure that you will agree to my findings about the root cause of this problem, so that a suitable solution is established for ending this menace. My request for government action In view of the above, I am convinced that an effective legislation, which aims at curbing the accessibility of drugs and other addictive substances to teenagers, would have the desired results in tackling this problem. Although there are a few laws that relate to this issue, but the enforcement of the same need strengthening. Hence, I request you to kindly take action with respect to the proper and strict enforcement of these laws. In addition, School authorities and education department should take definite measures to ensure that these substances are not available, anywhere near the concerned area. Periodic notification to the parents, informing them about the dangerous repercussions of drugs is yet another step that can help in keeping the kids away from drugs. Hence laws need to be formulated, which can ensure active participation of parents in the affairs of their children and school. Nevertheless, an effective legislation, which aims at non-availability of drugs to teenagers, remains the paramount requirement. I would be highly obliged to receive return mail from your end, with suggestions and recommendations for taking concrete action on this issue. While I thank you for giving your precious time in reading my letter, I look forward to your action in passing new legislations that can prevent availability of drugs to teenagers, along with formulating ways and means to stop substance usage in youngsters. Needless to mention here, teenagers are the assets for any society and their healthy upbringing remains our first responsibility. As we are aware, many young lives have been endangered by the substance abuse, their future decision making capabilities should not be allowed to get impaired by such abuse. With best regards, Ashleigh Chronister WORKS-CITED Teen Drug Abuse, “The Health Effects of Teen Alcohol Use”, Accessed on 7th March 2011 at:http://www.teendrugabuse.us/teensandalcohol.html Vranken Michele Van, MD, “Inhalants”, TeensHealth, November 2008, Accessed on 7th March 2011 at: http://kidshealth.org/teen/drug_alcohol/drugs/inhalants.html#cat20140 Hicks, Lawrence E. Oklahoma County Juvenile Justice Center. Oklahoma County. Accessed on 7th March 2011 at: http://www.oklahomacounty.org/jjc/DetentionCenter/DetentionCenter.htm Nguyen, Maria. "Drugs campaign targets teens and parents." B&T Weekly 54.2515 (2005): 8. Business Source Complete. EBSCO. Web. 17 Feb. 2011 Read More