Image via Wikipedia
The concept of substance abuse has always been a threat in the minds of everyone who considers it. However, this simple forethought to some people is quickly becoming a reality for our nation. Through various problems pertaining to a slacking economy, as well as the growing amount of cuts to education and outreach programs, Americans youth has entered a difficult time in our country’s history. In addition to the environmental factors pertaining to children and teens looking for escapes through substance abuse, the epidemic surrounding prescription drugs has acted as a fuel to the fire, providing an easy substance in which they can utilize for negative purposes.
Prescription Painkiller Abuse
Among one of the most widely abused types of prescription drugs is painkillers. The main reason for this is due to the fact that they have been an easy substance to come by. Doctors have been seemingly handing out prescriptions for these drugs over the course of the past two decades, providing a wide supply in the mainstream for teen access. When the difficulties of the economy hit, those people who still had prescriptions, regardless as to whether or not they needed the pills any longer, would instead fill their prescriptions to sell. This is still a problem that has only gotten worse as more youth fill the demand.
Street Drugs
While in fact the threat of street drugs for Americas youth has taken a backseat to the prescription drug epidemic, it is still very prevalent. Among one of the most commonly utilized drugs is marijuana. This controlled substance has been around for so long that most people do not even consider it illegal.
