What Are Long-Term Problems for Kids Who Get Into Drugs & Alcohol?
Many children and teens try drugs and alcohol. Some teens and children try it once and never do it again while others will continue to use alcohol and drugs for years. According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP), many teens don't see a connection between today's actions and tomorrow's consequences. "They also have a tendency to feel indestructible and immune to the problems that others experience," according to the AACAP. The reality is, however, that many children who abuse drugs do face long-term problems.
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Addiction
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Experimenting with drugs and alcohol a couple of times might seem OK to a teen, but a few tries can lead to addiction, according to the AACAP. Many kids often start with marijuana, and then move on to more dangerous drugs, such as cocaine or crack. According to Kids Health, people who have used marijuana are eight times more likely to use cocaine and 15 times more likely to use heroin.
Health
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Abusing alcohol or drugs can do damage to one's health in the long run. According to the PA DUI Association, alcohol can damage organs, including the liver, pancreas and heart. Drug abuse can also lead to health problems, including cancer, heart and brain damage.
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Depression and Emotional Problems
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Individuals who use marijuana often are at a higher risk than nonusers to be depressed, according to Kids Health. Anxiety is also a common long-term effect on marijuana users.
Risky Behavior
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According to Kids Health, teens who drink are more likely to be involved in risky behavior, such as having unprotected sex or driving under the influence.
Academics
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Children and teens who abuse drugs or alcohol are more likely to have poor grades. Bad grades can affect a teen from getting admitted into college, and can ultimately affect her career.
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