For example, children are using inhalants to get high by sniffing or huffing aerosol fumes for a chemical reaction. Some substances improperly used by teens lead to chemical dependency. Another major issue with teens and alcohol and drug use is that when they are high, they may become involved in circumstances for which they are unprepared. Youths who are sober and aware are more capable of leaving potentially unsafe situations. The problem is not simply the substances themselves that our teens are ingesting, it is what may occur afterwards.
Police report many physical assaults take place where illegal substances are found.
Adolescence is a time of changes, and parents should be aware that not all changes automatically indicate substance abuse.