Drug use and drug addiction is one of the most discussed social vices in the United States. Drug use is most common among the youth, with the threshold age for drug use dropping to an all-time low of 12 years of age. There are many reasons why drug use is very popular among the youth. What are they?
Firstly, young people from the age of 13 (teenage) are known to be at the very curious stage of life. At this age, many young people tend to experiment due to their natural curiosity. This is mainly because of peer pressure. Topics such as sex and drugs are the most interesting topics among the youth, so it is not surprising that the highest population of drug users is aged 12 to 24.
Secondly, I believe that one of the most common reasons that young people use drugs is to develop a defense mechanism to help ease trauma. According to research, the largest portion of drug users comes from dysfunctional families where issues such as physical and emotional abuse are a common occurrence. Most resort to drugs as a defense mechanism to help them ease the trauma. The drugs act as a temporary getaway from the traumatic experience.
Finally, I believe that the environment of plays a huge role in influencing drug use among the youth. Many young people, from the age of 12, reside in communities with high unemployment, and poorly sourced and fractured infrastructure. These unfavorable and harsh living conditions create an environment where black-market and illegal businesses thrive. Such businesses include prostitution and drug supply. These illegal industries provide alternative and high-paying employment opportunities that provide the prospect of fast wealth and status within the communities.
In conclusion, sociological issues tend to influence the probability of a young person indulging in drug use.
References
Bartollas, C., & Schmalleger, F. (2011). Juvenile Delinquency (8th ed.). Prentice Hall.
National Center for Juvenile Justice. (2012). Juvenile Arrest Rates by Offense, Sex, and Race (1980 - 2010). National Center for Juvenile Justice. Retrieved August 1, 2013, from http://www.ojjdp.gov/ojstatbb/crime/excel/JAR_2010.xls
