At the same time, many behaviors that are a normal aspect of their development, such as the desire to try new things or take greater risks,
may increase teen tendencies to experiment with drugs. Some teens may give in to the urging of drug-using friends to share the experience
with them. Others may think that taking drugs (such as steroids) will improve their appearance or their athletic performance or that abusing
substances such as alcohol or MDMA (ecstasy or “Molly”) will ease their anxiety in social situations. A growing number of teens are abusing
prescription ADHD stimulants such as Adderall
® to help them study or lose weight. Teens’ still-developing judgment and decision-making
skills may limit their ability to accurately assess the risks of all of these forms of drug use