Today's teens face more challenges than any other generation has. More is expected from them in their school. There are new drugs and forms of drugs that teen are able to get easily. Alcohol is popular as ever also and some teens prefer alcohol instead. Peer pressure is also takes a big tool on the teenage community and influence on their choices. Relationships with their parents and their siblings are important and have a strong pull in decision making.

Drugs play more of a role in a teenager's attitude, schooling and health than most parents realize. Drugs are constantly increasing and teens are able to get them at anytime with no problem. Teens use alcohol and other drugs for many reasons. They may do it because they want to fit in with friends or certain groups. They may also take a drug or drink alcohol because they like the way it makes them feel. Or they may believe that it makes them more grown up. Teens tend to try new things and take risks, and they may take drugs or drink alcohol because it seems exciting. Teens with family members who have problems with alcohol or other drugs are more likely to be affected and have the same type of problem. Also, teens who feel that they are not important to their parents or that their not being paid enough attention are at greater risk at doing drugs. Teens with poor self-esteem or emotional or mental problems, such as depression, also are at increased risk. Some teens prefer their parents to just talk to them and not just let them do whatever they want. Teen drug abuse is not so much a crime but the things that the drug do to the teen body and their mind it should be. Parents should sometimes check up on their teens in school and also in the outside world because you never know just by checking up and not pressuring them just might help out.