The Causes of Drug Abuse Among Teenagers (Essay Sample)

In shows and movies we’ve watched, a few of them often include drugs as a dilemma. Unlike sci-fi films with monsters and a whole zombie apocalypse, drug abuse is real and has become accepted. During this day in age, one of the largest issues is drug use in young adults and teens. Considering all the problems caused by this epidemic, unnecessary drug use should not be legal for people under the age of 25 because it harms physical health, academic strength, and the future of our country. 

The usage of drugs in adolescents can harm them physically. The brain is still growing till our mid-twenties. Since our brains still are developing, using drugs can change the way the brain fully matures. Dr. Frances Jensen says, “The last place to be connected—to be fully myelinated—in the front of your brain. And what is in the front? Your prefrontal cortex and your frontal cortex. These are areas where we have insight, empathy, these executive functions such as impulse control, risk-taking behavior.” By not having a fully functioning impulse control center, many of these youngsters probably won’t make the best decisions. This can cause them to get hurt. Not only is the mind affected, but the body also. Drugs that contain nicotine, such as vapes and e-cigarettes, have toxins and metals that users inhale. The toxic matter can get into the lungs and cause many cancers and diseases. Though drugs can be used as enhancers of the mind and body, it’s better to be on the safe side and stay away from them.

Drug intake decreases academic strength. Because the brain is still growing, as said above, our way of thinking changes. For example, someone intoxicated by a drug at school most likely will not absorb or understand information.  A prior study tested marijuana users from 13 to 17 years of age who had used the drug for at least a year multiple times a week. They tested them with IQ tests as well as doing various tasks in which they did poorly. Additionally, when someone has an addiction, the majority of their thoughts are likely to be about what they’re addicted to. In school when you aren’t focused on the material, you don’t do as well on graded assignments. Some might say that our way of thinking might change for the better, but that isn’t always the case so it’s safe to be cautious. When parents say no to drugs, parents help them become better in their education, leading them into a brighter future.

Surprisingly enough, I believe that drugs can ruin our future as a whole.