It is normal for parents to hope that their teenager is one of the ones avoiding drugs and alcohol. Yet for many—the reality is that their teen is probably using one or more drugs on a regular basis. In 2009, nearly 877,802 teenagers were admitted to the emergency room for drug-related issues. Even though drug use among teenagers has declined in recent years, there are numerous opportunities to get high—and drugs have never been easier to obtain.
If you have a teenager, it helps to understand the various types of drugs that are on the market, so you can recognize the signs of abuse. Opportunities for a teenager to get into trouble with drugs are endless. Here is a list of the substances most commonly available to our teens today:
Top 10 Drugs Your Teenager is Probably Using
- Marijuana: Perhaps the most commonly used drug by teens today, marijuana- also called pot, weed, or grass- is more formidable than it was in decades past. In Colorado, obtaining marijuana is now even easier—thanks to the newly regulated recreational market. Even though selling marijuana to minors is illegal, minors can still obtain the drug with ease.
- Prescription Drugs: Often, these are easily accessible because they can be found in the medicine cabinet at home. Abuse of prescription drugs among teens has increased 33% over the last five years. In addition to parents’ medicine cabinets, teenagers are known to raid the medicine cabinets of family members, friends, and other acquaintances.
- Alcohol: Because of its power to reduce inhibitions, alcohol remains a popular choice for teens and adolescents looking to relax and fit in. It is easy to obtain and some adults even aide in the use of alcohol by teenagers.
- Nicotine: Peer pressure and stress are the main reasons kids begin smoking. By the time they reach high school, twenty percent of all teens are smoking, which can lead to early heart disease, asthma, and full-blown addiction.
- Inhalants: Also easy to come by, various household chemicals are sniffed or huffed for fun without being viewed as the true danger they are.
- Ecstasy: Popular at parties and dance clubs, ecstasy is a cheap and appealing stimulant.
- Anabolic Steroids: More commonly seen among teen athletes or teens with weight issues or poor body image, use of anabolic steroids can be an emotional and physical detriment.
- Synthetic Drugs: Banned in at least 40 states, synthetic drugs are designed to produce the same euphoric effects as the originals. However, they can cause frightening and dangerous side effects.
- Methamphetamine: Also known as meth or speed, methamphetamine is an inexpensive and readily available stimulant. Permanent mental and physical harm can be caused by extended use.
and 10.Heroin: The number of teens seeking treatment for heroin addiction jumped 80% from 1999 to 2009. The easily accessible drug is becoming more prevalent in rural and suburban areas.
What to Do if Your Child is Arrested for Drug Possession?
Juvenile drug possession occurs when anyone under the age of 18 knowingly possesses a controlled drug or substance without a legal justification. It is a crime in all states that can carry harsh sanctions for juveniles.
If your child is arrested, the officer in charge will decide if the child should be held and charged, released, or transferred to another program. About half of all juvenile cases are heard informally, and are dismissed with an “informal disposition.” This occurs when the child admits acknowledges guilt and agrees to settle the charges by satisfying requirements imposed by the court including;
- Community Service
- Restitution
- School Attendance
- Counseling
If your child is arrested, contact a Boulder juvenile defense attorney immediately. Whether your child faces a formal or informal hearing, the matter must be dealt with seriously.
Contact Our Boulder Drug Crime Defense Lawyers
When your child is arrested for drug possession or selling drugs, it is imperative that you contact a skilled Boulder drug defense attorney to present the strongest defense possible for you. Every drug case is different therefore a tailor-made defense must be designed for your situation.
If your child has been arrested for drug possession in Denver, Aurora, Boulder, or anywhere in Colorado, contact the criminal defense lawyers at Steven Louth Law Offices today for a free consultation and review of your case. Call us at (303)422-2297 to start building a solid defense against these serious criminal charges.