Did you know that the use of drugs and alcohol in middle school can seriously impact a teenager’s life? Drug and alcohol abuse in this age group can lead to problems at school, with the law and even with future relationships. Teenagers who engage in this behavior are also more likely to develop addictions later in life. Below are the effects of drug abuse in middle school and how Georgia’s drug crime laws apply to minors.
Drug use among adolescents
Most people would agree that using drugs and alcohol as a minor is not good. Unfortunately, many teenagers still engage in this behavior. In fact, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, about one-third of all 12th graders have used an illicit drug within the past month. While health concerns are certainly not limited to just this age group, drug abuse can be especially harmful to adolescents.
One of the biggest concerns with drug abuse in middle school is its impact on academic performance. According to the NIDA, “drugs interfere with memory, learning processes and judgment.” This means that students abusing drugs are likely to struggle in school and may also get into trouble with teachers and administrators.
In addition, drug abuse can also lead to legal difficulties. For example, under Georgia law, teenagers caught using or possessing drugs may be arrested and charged with a crime.
Penalties for drug use in middle school
The penalties for underage substance use in Georgia can be severe. If you’re convicted of violating O.C.G.A. §16-13-30, you could be sentenced to up to one year in jail and fined up to $1,000. In addition, the court may suspend your driver’s license for up to six months.
Clearly, drug abuse in middle school can have serious consequences for teenagers. Not only can it lead to problems at school and with the law, but it can also cause addiction problems later in life. If you or someone you know is abusing drugs, it’s important to seek help.