According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and the National Institute on Drug Abuse, teen drug use has declined in the most recent trend report of 2007. Although this is a significant relief for many parents, the cause for teen drug use remains perplexing to many families. One of the most difficult realities is the transition from recreational use to addiction, which is life-changing for the teen, her family and friends. There is no singular cause for teenage substance abuse, but there are factors that have a strong influence in pushing teens toward exploring drug use options.
Absent Parenting
The Mayo Clinic indicates that one of the primary factors in teen drug abuse is the lack of parental supervision. Parents who are absent tend to miss the signs of a teen's initial drug experimentation. Absent parents are unable to discipline, educate or support the teen who may be turning to the alternate reality often glamorized in drug use. The less supervision a teen has, the more opportunity for him to be exposed to drugs simply due to boredom or need for finding a connection with peers. When a teen is exposed to drugs, a parent can offer guidance and information through discussion; however, an absent parent likely has no idea what he is learning.
Peer Influence
Peer relationships are significant in the life of a teen and may have a big influence on the actions and choices she makes. According to the Aces.edu article "Negative peer pressure and youth drug use," peer pressure can contribute to the bad or good decisions a teen makes toward substance use. During adolescent development, teens tend to display independence through trying new activities. When a teen's peer group presents pressures of experimenting with drugs, she often has to face a big decision about being a part of the group. This decision may create confusion and lead to trying drugs. Peer influence also can prevent substance use; however, in many situations, when other factors such as lack of supervision and feeling the need to belong is present amongst members, the peer group tends to collectively lean toward unhealthy choices in drug experimentation. The Mayo Clinic indicates fear of social rejection as a risk factor potentially causing teen drug abuse.