As a parent, you may be worried that your teen will use drugs at some point. They know that this is illegal, and they may even tell you that they wouldn’t do it. But teenage drug use is common and pure pressure is a major reason why it happens. It is certainly common for teens to do things that their parents wouldn’t expect because of this pressure from their friend groups.
So, what drugs are they most likely to use? Let’s take a look at a few of the most common ones used in Texas today.
Alcoholic beverages
The drug that is used the most by teenagers is alcohol. It’s illegal for them to drink until they are 21, but underage drinking is incredibly common. In fact, some studies found that the average age at which someone in America consumes alcohol for the first time is just 17 years old.
Marijuana products
Marijuana remains illegal in Texas, although those laws have changed in other states. Teens will sometimes smoke marijuana or they may use edible products. In some cases, people will drive to other states to obtain these, such as driving to Colorado – where they have legal recreational dispensaries. But marijuana is still illegal when it is brought back to Texas, and it is also illegal for those under 21, even in other states.
Prescription painkillers
Prescription drugs can be very problematic because they are addictive. This has led to the rise of the opioid epidemic in the United States, which is largely connected to prescription painkillers. These opioids are supposed to be used in medical situations only, and at limited amounts, but some teens admit to using them recreationally. For instance, this was true for 3.4% of 12th graders in one poll. Many of these drugs are used at parties and other social situations.
What are your options?
If your child has been arrested, you’re probably worried about what this is going to mean for their future. It’s important for both you and them to know what legal options you have.