- Anxiety
- Depression
- Low Self-Esteem
- Loneliness or Fear of Rejection
- Extreme Stress or Peer Pressure
During the adolescent years, teens go through many life-changing experiences. Sadly, many of these experiences are not addressed properly by the adults in a teen’s life or are brushed off as being insignificant. To a teen, however, what may seem insignificant to an adult is often a very big deal. Middle school and high school can be stressful times where a teen’s senses and emotions are heightened and pushed to the limits on a daily basis. Issues that might not seem important, such as gossip or teasing, can become quite serious and often dangerous. It is for these reasons, and feelings of being misunderstood or being seen as unimportant, that many teens turn to using Meth.
Meth Becoming the Drug of Choice for Many Teens
In the past, marijuana was the drug of choice for teens. It was inexpensive and could deliver an enjoyable high without being as intense as some other drugs. The problem is that marijuana became a gateway drug for many teens, allowing them to feel that they could branch out into using other drugs such as Meth without experiencing too many side effects. Meth then began to take the lead in abused drugs, delivering a more intense high that lasted much longer than marijuana while being less expensive than other drugs such as cocaine or heroine.
The particular side effects of a Meth “high” likely also appeal to teens in particular. Many teens who have abused Meth in the past have reported feeling invincible, like a super hero. Meth often gives a false sense of awareness or control, making it harder for others to convince using teens of its dangers. In particular, teens have named Meth a party drug, often getting together and using in groups at parties. It is likely that the teens feel the Meth enhances their fun. Being inexpensive to make, Meth is more readily available to teens than most adults think or want to believe. This is generally what has helped to create the epidemic of Meth abuse among teens in the US.
The Very Serious Dangers of Meth Abuse
In order to understand how dangerous Meth really is, it is important to know exactly how it can affect the body. Meth abuse, even in small amounts, can cause irreversible brain damage. It can also cause life-long issues such as insomnia, anxiety, paranoia and chronic respiratory problems. More devastating than this, however, is the fact that treatment for Meth addiction is has become virtually ineffective. A teen becoming addicted to Meth is not just flirting with danger. This Meth addiction is almost assuredly a death sentence. Serious illness or death becomes more a matter of “when” than “if.”
The best and most important thing you can do for the teens in your life is to make sure they are educated about the side effects and true dangers of Meth abuse. Meth abuse and addiction are not issues that can or should be ignored. Remember that once a Meth addiction is full-blown, it is only a matter of time before serious medical issues (even those that can be fatal) occur. You may be worried about a teen being too young to hear, see or understand such dangers. However, you owe it to the teens in your life to give them the best and most honest education possible. Do not rely on schools or programs to provide all of this education for you. As parents you will always have the most influence in a teen’s life, even when it doesn’t seem like it. Start educating your teens about the dangers of Meth as early as you can. Education is the best prevention. The dangers of Meth abuse and Meth addiction are real and serious. The education you give to your teens should be as well.