Misinformation
A major factor in teen drug abuse and addictive behaviors is misinformation regarding drugs and its effects. Studies show that this misinformation pervades more than you might think: 41% of teens believe it’s safer to abuse prescription drugs than illegal drugs and 40% don’t find using heroin inherently risky. The perception of these drugs may have relaxed over the years because of the language found in social media, music and movies. Because drug use appears to be commonplace among peers, celebrities and at social events, there may be an impression that drug use is not as bad as everybody thinks.