November 28, 2017

Adolescence is no doubt a time for experimenting, but how many teens are actually indulging and why? In a poll of CK students, thirty-eight percent of CK teens have admitted to taking drugs for a number of reasons. Some teens find that doing drugs helps with depression, relaxation, or having fun.

“It can create friendships,” said a CK teen who has experimented with drugs. “It opens the mind to new ideas and new thoughts.”

With more access to drugs like marijuana or Adderall, teens seem to be obtaining substances from a number of sources, ranging from fellow students to grown adults. Seventy-five percent of CK students who admitted to having used drugs reported that they got them from an ‘older friend/sibling’ or a ‘peer’, while twenty-five percent said ‘other’.

While many teens admit to having indulged in drug use, there are quite a few who have not.

“I just don’t feel the need to. I have no desire to.” said a student who has not used drugs. Some believe that doing drugs will be more detrimental to their health and well-being than it being beneficial. Of course, that all depends on the person.

Whether you or someone you know uses drugs, it is good to know the statistics. Understand why teens are doing drugs and educate yourself on what is happening around you.