Abuse of Legal and Illegal Drugs by Teenagers - Coursework Example

Abuse of Legal and Illegal Drugs by TeenagersIntroductionModern society is such that it has become difficult to prevent children from abusing drugs. The US Department of Justice has disclosed that nearly fifty percent of those in the twelfth grade had abused illicit drugs (U. S. Department of Health and Human Services, SAMHSA). Abuse transpires, whenever a teenager consciously decides to take drugs. This abuse leads to addiction, which is a disease. Fortunately, it is curable. The addiction results, due to the power of the drug to cause changes to the human brain.

This results in a distortion or modification of mood, memory, the thought process and motor skills. Addiction is best dealt with by a qualified doctor. The harm caused to teenagers by drugs is more severe than that caused to an adult. This is due to the fact that teenagers have not matured physically and mentally. The developing teenage brain is harmed by these vile substances. Sometimes, the result is depression, anxiety, loss of concentration and a diminished capacity to store information. As it is, teenagers are impulsive or hot blooded.

In combination with drugs, judgment is severely impaired, with disastrous consequences. Some of the substances that result in abuse and subsequent addiction are licit drugs like alcohol, steroids, prescription drugs and over the counter drugs; and illicit drugs like cocaine, heroin, LSD and mescaline. I. Abuse of legal and illegal drugs by teenagers. A. Why are teenagers attracted to drugs? B. Various types of drugs and their effect on teenagersC. What are the warning signs of Teens’ drug abuse?D. What are the measures to be adopted to overcome this problem?II. I am interested in this subject, because teenagers are the future leaders of society and a significant number of them are getting addicted to drugs. A. In researching drug abuse by teenagers, for my argumentative paper, I came across a number of facts disclosing legal and illegal drug abuse.B. I am interested in those factors that cause the greatest danger to such teenagers.C. Various experiences of teenagers who are addicted to drugs.D. I am interested in the different remedies suggested for this problem. 1. Some of these remedies relate to the abuse of legal drugs by teenagers. 2. The remaining remedies concentrate on curbing the abuse of illegal drugs by teenagers.

III. Empirical Data Reveals that the Problem of Drug Abuse by Teenagers in on the increase. A. Teenage Drug Abuse is a social problem. B. This problem is more complex than it seems on the surface. IV. There are several treatments for drug abuse by teenagers. A. Psychological measures, like behavioral treatment. B. Medical treatment methods, like, medical detoxification, outpatient services, long term or residential treatment and agonist maintenance treatment. ConclusionAll said and done, addiction to drugs can be cured.

The faster the treatment is commenced, the sooner the teenager can get back to normal. It is essential to tackle the problem of drug abuse and not to merely ignore it. The teenager has to be approached, when sober and apprised of the harm that ensues from drug abuse. Parents should approach the problem calmly and firmly. There should be no discontinuance of their efforts until their child is fully cured. I) Works CitedU. S. Department of Health and Human Services, SAMHSA. 11 April 2007. 4 February 2008 .