Why do kids experiment with drugs?

Imagine a young person kept in isolation and unable to encounter the outside world where adults drink alcohol and smoke cigarettes, and where heroes in movies do drugs and break the law. To avoid references to drug use, they would need to avoid advertising, celebrity gossip magazines, TV, movies, and the internet – clearly an impossible scenario. The innate curiosity of children means they will want to try things, sometimes before they are legally of age, and sometimes even if they know it is completely illegal.

So what drives this behaviour?

The need for acceptance in young people makes peer pressure incredibly powerful in motivating children and especially adolescents in their behaviour. Often this is the key driver to trying drugs or maintaining a habit. If adolescents are in with the right or wrong crowd it can make the biggest difference in their adoption or resistance to bad habits. Mixing with the wrong crowd can cause adolescents to override their parents’ wishes or even their own values.Children who experiment with drugs often seek out experiences that produce thrills and excitement that their day-to-day lives can’t duplicate. This is not unusual and adults often seek adventure and thrills such as white water rafting, car racing, bungee-jumping, affairs and illicit sexual relationships etc.The difference is taking drugs is illegal and potentially harmful. Some people say we are wired to seek out thrills and the dopamine ‘hit’ of the thrill can be as strong as the ‘high’ of the drug use. Often there is an element of rebellion in amongst the motivations for adolescents to try drugs, where it shows an independence from the thinking and behaviours of family and society.Sometimes, children aren’t rebelling against their parents they are copying them. Drugs can provide an escape route. Young people on drugs often talk of being able to ‘zone out’ from the pressures of life, in a way they can’t do without chemical assistance.There is also often a feeling that the consequences of drug abuse and even addiction don’t apply to them. This immortal feeling in young people is important for taking risks and having adventures when you are in a time of your life when you have less to lose, as long as it is managed and doesn’t get out of control.

Teen Drug Use: Support & Guidance for Parents

Drug use

Why do adolescents experiment with drugs and illegal activities?

Adolescents experiment with drugs and illegal activities due to a combination of factors including peer pressure, the innate curiosity to try new things, a desire for thrills and excitement, rebellion against authority, and seeking an escape from life's pressures. The increasing availability of illicit drugs means it's not always possible to shield children. If your child experiments with drugs, professional help from a psychologist is available to navigate the situation. Young people are often influenced by their environment, including media and adult behaviors, and may seek experiences that provide a dopamine 'hit' or a sense of independence. They may also feel immune to the consequences of drug abuse. The Three Seas Psychology offers support for families dealing with these challenges.

If you are worried about your child or adolescent and would like them to speak with a psychologist, call today and make an appointment. Alternatively, you can speak with a psychologist about your child confidentially.

Contact Us for Appointment

General Enquiry

Drug use

Why do adolescents experiment with drugs and illegal activities?

If you are worried about your child or adolescent and would like them to speak with a psychologist, call today and make an appointment. Alternatively, you can speak with a psychologist about your child confidentially.

Contact Us for Appointment

MELBOURNE CITY

RICHMOND

WANTIRNA SOUTH

FITZROY NORTH

Drug use

HOME

Teen Drug Use: Why Adolescents Experiment & How to Get Help

Why do adolescents experiment with drugs and illegal activities?

If you are worried about your child or adolescent and would like them to speak with a psychologist, call today and make an appointment. Alternatively, you can speak with a psychologist about your child confidentially.

Contact Us for Appointment

MELBOURNE CITY

RICHMOND

WANTIRNA SOUTH

FITZROY NORTH