When you are young, you are surrounded by outside influences seeking to guide you in a specific direction. One of the most harmful things a young person can be influenced by is substance abuse. When misused, drugs and alcohol can have serious consequences. If a young person in your life is abusing drugs or alcohol, you should consider contacting a drug crimes lawyer to help you address the possible legal ramifications of their actions.
Academic Trouble
Education is key to understanding the world and creating a foundation for future learning or career prospects. Adolescent substance abuse is associated with declining grades, absence from school and other activities, and an increased risk of dropping out.
Physical and Mental Health Issues
People who abuse drugs risk overdosing and developing health problems, like liver diseases. Drinking large amounts of alcohol in a short period puts you at risk of alcohol poisoning and can potentially lead to a coma and death. Abusing substances can also significantly impair brain and other bodily functions. Impairment from teenage substance abuse can lead to serious accidents resulting in disabilities or death.
Also, mental health problems are more common among substance-abusing youth than nonusers. Substance abuse is frequently associated with mental health issues such as depression, developmental delays, and other psychosocial dysfunctions in adolescents.
Dysfunctional Relationships with Family and Peers
Juveniles who abuse substances are often alienated from and stigmatized by their peers and become involved with harmful peer groups. Young people’s abuse of alcohol and other drugs can dramatically disrupt many aspects of family life and create dysfunction. Dealing with substance abuse is time-intensive and emotionally exhausting for families.
Financial Losses
Minors and their families can incur financial losses in various ways because of substance abuse. Substance abuse can drain a family’s finances as parents and guardians attempt to remedy the situation. Methods such as therapy and rehabilitation can be costly while also lasting for an extended time. If a minor becomes involved with the juvenile justice system, there will also be court costs and legal fees.
Delinquency
Though one may not cause the other, delinquency and substance abuse are closely linked. Substance abuse can have legal ramifications, and criminal activity comes with legal, social, and economic consequences. For the youth who abuse drugs and alcohol, arrest and intervention by the juvenile justice system are often inevitable outcomes. Many youths who abuse drugs and alcohol also become involved in other criminal activities.
Get Legal Advice from Criminal Defense Attorneys Experienced with Drug Crimes
Dealing with the consequences of drug crimes can be overwhelming, but discussing your case with an experienced criminal defense attorney can lighten the load. The criminal defense attorneys at Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford, P.C. are well-reputed, attaining successful outcomes for clients accused of drug crimes in state and federal courts throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania.
If you have a young person in your life who has been charged with a drug crime in Southeastern Pennsylvania, talk to Montgomery County drug crimes lawyers who are skillful at successfully defending their clients. To schedule your free consultation, submit our online contact form or call (215) 822-7575.
