One of the largest problems in society today is teenage drug abuse. After a
dramatic drop in the use of illicit drugs among teens throughout the 80’s, once again teen drug
use is on the rise at a dangerous rate and shows no signs of slowing down. In 1979 more than
16 percent of children between the ages of 12-17, used drugs according to the Drug Enforcement
Administration. Under the banner of the “Just Say No” slogan, Presidents Reagan and Bush
helped drive this number down to a low of 5.3 percent in 1992, but it has crept back up to 10
percent today ( Drug Use Back Up for Youth, 1). From 1991 to 1994 eighth graders who said
they had used marijuana in the previous year doubled to 13 percent. In the same time region,
marijuana use increased 66 percent among 10th graders as well as a 44 percent increase among
12th graders. Marijuana has by far, been the most popular drug used by teens as well as all
Americans in the past decade. However, there is a new generation of drugs that is just beginning
to effect the nations youth. Ecstasy, or MDMA, belongs to a family of drugs called
“entactogens,” which literally means touching within. It creates a sense of euphoria for the user
and enhances feelings of empathy, em
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II: Formulation
The problem of teenage drug abuse is becoming a more important issue every day. If this generation of teens continue
growing up in an environment where drugs are everywhere and they are not receiving the proper
drug education they will accept drug use as a proper way of life which will result in horrible
consequences. Its is imperative that this issue be
addressed as soon as possible before younger children are effected. By mixing
several of these drugs together sensations may be enhanced, but one is putting themselves at risk
for heatstroke, heat failure, severe brain and liver damage, or death. In 20 years, doctors may announce
that those who have used ecstasy in the...