When it comes to teenagers and cocaine use, the dangers are real. Beyond being highly illegal, cocaine is a highly addictive stimulant with long-term negative health effects. However, what many people do not realize is that cocaine is dangerous beyond the long-term effects. From the very first time a person uses cocaine, particularly a teen, they are in danger.

To help you understand these dangers, Tarzana Treatment Centers (TTC) provides you with four verified studies about cocaine use by adolescents. As a nonprofit provider of youth recovery services, TTC is at the forefront of this battle. Thus, we want to help you make an informed decision. Hence, we offer resources, including the quality information below.

Additional Resources about Teenagers and Cocaine Use

Beyond the four studies about teenagers and cocaine use, you also will find two essential resources about teenagers and cocaine. These resources are by the Substance Use and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA).

Although both resources are designed to communicate with teens, they provide valuable info for parents as well. Moreover, they are resources that can be used when talking to a teenager. Indeed, we want to help you start the discussion.

Four Studies about Teenagers and Cocaine Use

1) Adolescents Are More Vulnerable to Cocaine Addiction

Published in The Journal of Neuroscience in 2013, the study provides behavioral and electrophysiological evidence to show the vulnerability of teenagers to cocaine addiction.

2) Cocaine use increases the risk of stroke among teenagers in the United States

Published in The International Journal of Stroke, the 2020 study shows how cocaine use increases the dangers of a paralyzing stroke in teenagers. Highlighting the threat of a stroke in a teen, the physical dangers of cocaine use are real for everyone.

3) The Cardiovascular Effects of Cocaine

Published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, the 2017 research study shows how cocaine detrimentally equally affects the heart functioning of both adults and teenagers. Indeed, teenagers and cocaine are a deadly combination.

4) Crack Cocaine Use in Adolescents: Clinical Characteristics and Predictors of Early Initiation

Published in The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, this article shows the clinical characteristics of how crack cocaine use affects adolescents. Moreover, it reveals why teenagers are likely to use crack cocaine even before they try cocaine.

Talking to Teenagers – How to Start the Discussion

The two resources provided below are both informative and helpful. Without a doubt, it is difficult for most parents to talk about drugs with their kids. However, these sites offer guides to help start the discussion. Moreover, they provide necessary information for parents to learn about this dangerous drug.

1) The National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA) on Teenagers and Cocaine

Published by the National Institute of Drug Abuse on their website for teenagers, here is a generalized look at the dangers of cocaine use. Easy to read and understand, it provides an essential resource for both parents and teens alike.

2) Tips for Teens: The Truth About Cocaine – A SAMHSA Resource

A free pamphlet published by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration; Tips for Teens is available for download. User friendly and clearly written, the pamphlet also helps parents understand the dangers.

Tarzana Treatment Centers Can Help

If you worry that your teen is experimenting with cocaine and other hard drugs, Tarzana Treatment Centers can help. When you mix teenagers with crack and cocaine, it is like playing a game of Russian Roulette. The end result is often tragic. Please do not take any chances and contact TTC today to access the help your teenager needs.