Teen Drug Use Trends

The Nature and Prevalence of Teen Drug Abuse

Teens abuse all types of drugs, including over the counter medications, inhalants, marijuana, alcohol and prescription drugs. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, more than 16 million Americans age 12 and older took a prescription pain reliever, tranquilizer, stimulant or sedative for nonmedical purposes at least once in 2005. In 2008, nearly 2 million teens between the ages of 12 and 17 abused prescription drugs, and more than 15 percent of high school seniors reported non-medical use of at least one prescription medication within the past year. Teens who struggle with drug abuse and addiction deserve to lead healthy, happy lives. But most can’t achieve long-term sobriety alone. Like adult drug abuse and addiction, teenage drug abuse commonly requires immediate, professional intervention.