Is there a teen in your life that is struggling with drug abuse? If so, then you are not alone, and there is help available. Teen drug abuse is a mounting problem for our society, unfortunately. Research has found that half of all new drug users are under the age of majority. Teen drug abuse is particularly dangerous because one of the greatest predictors of future problematic drug use an addiction later in life is drug abuse as a teen.

There are a variety of reasons why a teen may engage in drug abuse but the most common factors are peer pressure, stress and escapism, and simple curiosity.

Among 12th graders nearly 20% reported binge drinking, and 40% reported using alcohol within the previous month. Alcohol is the most common drug of choice for teens followed by Marijuana. 20% of teens reported having used Marijuana within the previous month. The common thread among habitual marijuana users is that they were introduced to the drug during their teen years.