Parents of Addicts Community Group
A safe group for Mothers and Fathers of addicts, where we can share feelings, and ask for feedback.
Results from a new study conducted by the Partnership For a Drug-Free America last August discovered that the number one reason teens start using drugs (73%) is because of school pressures and stress. This question, on previous studies, had never been presented to them before as an option. Previously, the number one answer was to "feel cool" and "to have fun". Now these rationales are declining and motivations to use drugs to solve problems are increasing.
This comes as no surprise to me at all. Parents, however, were also included in this study yet the put stress on the bottom of the list (7%)! Think there is a disconnect there?
This comes as no surprise to me at all. Parents, however, were also included in this study yet the put stress on the bottom of the list (7%)! Think there is a disconnect there?
Generally drugs are not the reason, they are the result. Remember addicts will say anything to justify their
use. It also depends on what drug you are talking about. Kids "think" ecstacy will help them have fun.
Kids think cocaine is cool, they think meth helps them cope...
Unfortunately, most adults are also riddled with stress, and are in denial (or are drinking/using themselves).
I'm not at all surprised by this finding, especially in our town. Our school district rating is rated in the top 3 to 4% in Newsweek every year. The competition at the high school level, especially, is very high. And they wonder why the drug problem is so high. I believe stress managment certainly should be required and starting in Middle School because that's where it starts!