People in all modern societies use drugs, but today's youth are experimenting with both legal and illegal drugs, and at an increasingly early age. Some sociologists claim that parents and other members of society often set a bad example. Discuss the causes and some effects of widespread drug use by young people in modern day society. Make any recommendations you feel are necessary to help fight youth drug abuse.

Youth

drug

abuse is a serious problem nowadays in many cultures. Not only is illegal

drug

use

on the rise, but children as young as 10 years old are experimenting with alcohol and tobacco. The reasons for

this

behaviour are unclear, but certain sociologists blame the examples set by their elders. Parents who drink and smoke to excess are, in effect, telling their children that it is acceptable to abuse their bodies with drugs.

Consequently

, children may have a similar view towards illegal drugs, even if their parents are against their

use

.

In addition

,

drug

use

shown on television and in films can only confuse children who are

also

taught at school that

drug

abuse is wrong. The pressure on young people to perform well at school in order to compete for jobs is a possible cause of the problem. Many believe they cannot live up to their parents' expectations, and feel a sense of hopelessness.

Also

, the widespread availability of drugs means teenagers are faced with the temptation to experiment. Drugs are used as a means of expressing dissatisfaction with the pressures they face in society. The effects of

abmormal

not normal; not typical or usual or regular or conforming to a norm

abnormal

use

of drugs are well known. Many young people's talents are wasted, and addiction to hard drugs can cost a user his or her life.

Furthermore

, those who drink and drive may be involved in fatal road accidents. The cost to society is great, and enormous amounts of money are spent on convicting

drug

dealers and on education programmes. To conclude, I recommend that the only sensible way to solve

this

problem is to educate young people about the dangers of

drug

use

, and to take steps to reduce the pressure of competition placed upon them.