It’s important to understand why some teens use drugs. Here are just a few of them:

• For some, it seems like no big deal. You may see and hear a lot about drinking, drug use and smoking – in movies, music and well, pretty much everywhere. At school, you hear people talk about how “messed up” they got and how much “fun” it was. You see adults drinking and smoking all the time.
• Peer pressure. A lot of teens think that everybody is doing it. This isn’t actually true. A recent study of Cleveland high school students show that while 56.8% said they tried drinking at least once, only 27.9% said they had a drink in the last 30 days. Even fewer teens report trying or using marijuana or other drugs. (View Source)
• Looking for a way to “act out” in a way they know is illegal and bad for them as a protest or show of rebellion.
• Makes them seem cool, sexy or more grown up.
• Escape from their problems. When they’re feeling down, low or bored, they want a little pick me up or chill out, even though the feelings don’t last and they usually feel worse the next day.
• Many people are already addicted and can’t stop. What started as just a bit of “fun” ends up being a real problem. At this point, they’re not doing for fun, they’re doing it because they can’t function without it.
• Lack of confidence and low self-esteem. Shy people may feel outgoing when they’re drinking or using drugs.
• Believing that drug use is just a normal part of life.
• Thinking drugs will help them do better in school or at work. They may take drugs to stay awake, for energy or because they think drugs help their mood. But it usually doesn’t work, can put their health at risk and may lead to addiction.