Boredom, stress, and the availability of extra money are three main reasons why teens use drugs, the New York Times reported Aug. 20.
The annual survey of parents and children ages 12 to 17 by Columbia University’s National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) found that children who are frequently bored are 50 percent more likely to get drunk, use illegal drugs, or smoke.

In addition, teens who experience high levels of stress are twice as likely to smoke, drink, or use drugs as children with little anxiety in their lives.
The study further found that teens with $25 or more a week in spending money are twice as likely to smoke, drink, or use drugs.
The report, according to Joseph Califano Jr., chairman and president of CASA, also showed that 55 percent of all children have a moderate or high risk of drug misuse.

“Parental engagement in their child’s life is the best protection Mom and Dad can provide,” he said.
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The survey also found that the average age for first use of alcohol is about 12; more than 5 million children ages 12 to 17 say they can purchase marijuana in an hour or less; and children in schools with more than 1,200 students are at a higher risk for addiction