Alcohol, nicotine, and marijuana use can lead to more potent drugs and addiction. These substances are commonly referred to as gateway drugs. Many adolescents start using alcohol, nicotine, or marijuana and eventually progress to more harmful substances.
Many people believe marijuana is a safe drug with little to no withdrawal symptoms. Marijuana use puts a person at higher risk of turning to more intense, powerful drugs, such as cocaine, heroin, or painkillers. Young teens often try marijuana and drink. These substances significantly impact their young, developing brains. Continued use puts them at risk of developing serious mental and physical health problems.
People usually drink to socialize or during special events and occasions. Adolescents are vulnerable to using drugs or drinking alcohol due to peer pressure, stress, and or mental health issues. Teens are impulsive, and being under the influence of drugs or alcohol can lead to risky and destructive behavior.
Drugs and alcohol have devastating effects on a teen’s development and physical, mental, and psychological health. Many people who smoke cigarettes or other forms of nicotine started using in adolescence. Nicotine use becomes a habit and quickly turns into an addiction. Quitting nicotine is very challenging.
An alternative to smoking cigarettes or inhaling cigarette smoke is called vaping, which is gaining popularity among teens and young adults. Vaping uses fewer chemicals, but still contains nicotine, the addictive substance found in cigarettes and other ways to use tobacco.
Young people are using e-cigarettes as well. E-cigarettes are battery-operated devices that look like a cigarette, pipe, etc. The e-cigarettes are filled with a liquid, containing nicotine that heats up and vaporizes. The person using the device inhales the vapor, and unknowingly inhales chemicals from the product as it heats up.
Marijuana, alcohol, and nicotine are all addictive substances that can lead to hard-core drug use with substances that are more potent. If your teen has an addiction to drugs or alcohol, get help now.
Nexus Recovery Services specializes in addiction treatment and is an exclusive experience for individuals who truly want to change. We encompass holistic therapy for the mind, body, and soul. Our mission is to provide tools and support for every client’s seamless transition into a meaningful and fulfilling life of sobriety. We offer a free and confidential consultation. Call us to get started: 310-881-9151