Substance abuse by teens is not a new issue, but it has taken a new turn over the last few years. In the past, kids were more likely to use marijuana, heroin and other popular drugs for getting high. Thanks to strict government regulations, these drugs become relatively difficult to get, especially for minors. This has led them to look for alternative options that are more accessible and not yet identified as a potential threat. As a parent, it is important for you to be aware of the substances that your teen can possibly become addicted to. This would allow you to keep them out of your youngsters’ reach or prevent their abuse.

Cold Medications

Almost all the cold medicines, especially cough syrup, contain an ingredient named dextromethorphan or DXM which, if taken in excess, results in hallucinations. This phase lasts for at least 6 hours. Teens use cold medications excessively to get high. According to a study, 1 out of 10 Americans abuse cold medications, which mean that these drugs are more popular than cocaine, ecstasy, and LSD. According to another study, 20% of the teens use different prescribed drugs for getting high. An easy access to these medicines is one of the biggest reasons behind kids giving them preference over other drugs.

Hallucinogens

These are among teens’ favorite drugs as it can take them to a whole new world. Hallucinogens, as the name implies, causes the kids to hallucinate, i.e. starts making them see, feel, and hear things that seem real but are actually not real at all. In other words, these drugs messes with their perception of reality. Mescaline, DMT, Psilocybin, PCP, and Foxy are among the most popular hallucinogens used by teens.

Inhalants

Inhalants are not drugs, but they can be pretty addictive nevertheless. Teens keep coming back to them to enjoy the sensations created by inhaling their chemical vapors. They don’t seem to mind risking their health to enjoy the mind-altering feelings that different inhalants induce in their body. Some of the most common inhalants used by teens for getting high include vegetable oil spray, spray paint, aerosol spray, paint thinners, and hair spray. Unfortunately, all or most of them are openly lying around completely unsupervised in our homes.

Club Drugs

Club drugs are commonly used by teens during parties. When they see their peers using them, they join in as well. These drugs usually have psychedelic properties which, when combined with loud music, give a unique feeling of pleasure and excitement. One of the most commonly used club drugs, ecstasy (MDMA), is available at a very cheap price, which is one of the several reasons behind its popularity. Other common club drugs include Rohypnol and Ketamine.