5 Myths About Street Drug Abuse

There are many misconceptions about street drugs that can make recognizing and dealing with addiction and abuse very challenging. Sometimes it can be hard to know what’s fact vs. fiction, especially for teens and their parents. Below are six common myths that people believe about street drugs.

Street Drugs are Hard to Find

Some believe that since street drugs are illegal, they must be difficult to buy, especially for teens who don’t spend time on the streets or in gangs. However, over 60% of American teens say that illegal drugs are sold or used at their high school.

Teens Who Abuse Street Drugs are Lazy or Bad

Many teens who abuse street drugs don’t do so because they’re “bad” or lazy. Often, teens start using when one of their peers offers the drug to them. These teens have likely never participated in violence or gotten in trouble at school, and most never mean to make a habit out of it. Instead, they often abuse drugs to fit in or cope with stress in their lives.

Only Teens from Low-Income Families Abuse Street Drugs

Teens from all economic backgrounds use street drugs—not just teens from low-income families. One study even found that teens from high-income families may be more likely than their low-income peers to abuse certain types of street drugs.

Street Drug Abuse is Caused by Bad Parenting

Often, there is no one single cause for drug addiction. Although some teens may develop an addiction due to abuse from family members, many users grow up in normal homes. Genetics, biology, social influence and life experiences are all different things that can influence a teen’s likelihood of developing a street drug addiction.

Street Drug Abuse Isn’t That Dangerous

Feature Image: Jake Melara