Teenage Girls And Drug Use

A recent study reports that teenage girls who use drugs and alcohol are more likely to make decisions that negatively affect their lives. They are more likely to contract STD's and have unplanned pregnancies. Drugs and alcohol go hand in hand with poor decision making, which includes having unprotected, unplanned sex. When I was drinking and using, sex was a big part of my destructive repertoire. I used people to feel better just like I used drugs. When I was drinking and using, I didn't think through consequences and only lived for instant gratification.

In teen drug treatment, it was important for me to address all of the ways I endangered myself in my addiction. I slept with people I didn't want to. I drove intoxicated, or rode in the car with people who were under the influence. I put myself in dangerous situations. Being loaded left me vulnerable to people that could hurt me or take advantage of me. I damaged my body and my self worth.

Part of my recovery process has been to learn to value myself. By respecting myself, I surround myself with people that respect me. When I am going to do anything, I think through the possible consequences, good and bad. I listen to other people’s experiences and advice. I think about how my actions affect myself and other people. Today, my life isn't about trying to find things outside of myself to feel better. It's about being a healthier person who respects herself. I have choices today. Drugs and alcohol do not govern my behaviors. When I do something today, it's because I chose it. My life is the way it is today because I made the choice to begin the recovery process and give myself a second chance.

Give your teen a second chance!

The Gateway Drug

“The Gateway Drug”


When I was in middle school taking that D.A.R.E class that they make you take, there was a lot of talk about marijuana being the “gateway drug”. I always thought that it was just a scare tactic that adults used to instill fear in us kids about using drugs. Yet when you actually look at the statistics it is quite amazing how true the saying is that marijuana is a gateway drug. The statistics show that teenagers who use marijuana are 17 times more likely to move on to using harder drugs. Statistics also say that boys are 29 times more likely to use harder drugs after using marijuana and girls are 11 times more likely.

The reasoning behind this is thought to be that marijuana helps one develop curiosity for harder drugs as well as introduces them to the menacing subculture that may be attractive to them.