Answer:
Most drug users develop their substance abuse in their teens. In the Philippines alone, nearly half of drug abuse cases reportedly start from 15 to 19 years old, the Dangerous Drugs Board says.
Access to prescription medication at home and to illicit drugs on the street has been an entry point into the habit for some. In fact, about 50% of all teens experiment with drugs at least once in their life because of easy access to substances, according to the US Department of Health and Human Services.
Some teens may end up trying different drugs out of curiosity, peer pressure, mental health problems, social isolation, permissive parenting and the absence of strict measures and support programs designed to help teens stay clean.
As a result, they may end up becoming addicted later on in life. Thus, it is important for parents, the school and the community to recognize the warning signs and intervene early on to prevent drug abuse from turning into an addiction.
The infographic below sheds light on teenage drug abuse – from the risk factors to the consequences, to the proper way of helping those in trouble.
