topic?

Substance Abuse:

The use of harmful substances has always been activity in society. http://www.shmoop.com/drugs-america/summary.html However, it has become a major problem over the years. It is seen as the cool thing to do to the young generation, but then becomes an addiction to the older. I have watched family members and childhood friends grow up and then find a love for these deadly substances. Whether it be alcohol or different kinds of drugs. 

The most obvious cause I have seen with substance abuse is peer pressure. A young teen gets invited to a wild party, and for the sake of being cool, decides to just try it one time.
http://alcoholrehab.com/drug-addiction/peer-pressure-and-substance-abuse/

Not only does peer pressure play a role, but also television and other media makes this type of behavior look cool or desirable. http://consumer.healthday.com/mental-health-information-25/addiction-news-6/tv-alcohol-ads-tied-to-problem-drinking-for-teens-study-finds-695555.html Alcohol ads look glamorous and drug abuse is shown to be a rich and desirable thing to do.

Lastly, people who are very into it,find it fun. It alters the brain and allows the user to escape reality and forget about whatever it was that caused them to be sad or stressed out.
Works Cited:
http://health.usnews.com/health-news/family-health/childrens-health/articles/2011/06/29/addiction-starts-early-in-american-society-report-finds
http://www.shmoop.com/drugs-america/summary.html
http://alcoholrehab.com/drug-addiction/peer-pressure-and-substance-abuse/
http://consumer.healthday.com/mental-health-information-25/addiction-news-6/tv-alcohol-ads-tied-to-problem-drinking-for-teens-study-finds-695555.html