A VOX ATL Report: Dope To Cope — Why Teens Substitute Drugs For Dopamine

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May 29th, 2019

“Many teens describe abusing drugs as a way of gaining popularity or even blending in during high school,” writes VOX ATL reporter Sophie James. “Although substance abuse affects everyone, the effect on teenagers is especially important.”

Photo: Asthon/FLICKR, Illustration: Sophie James

By Sophie James

“It is more socially acceptable to use drugs as distractions because some people find it easier than telling someone about (their stress),” says Sally Abu, a 15-year-old from Berkmar High School.

Sally wasn’t the only teen who spoke up about drugs as a quick way to numb their problems. Another local student, 17-year-old Sydney Dawson, said teens use drugs “to follow the crowd and try to take the stress from school or other things.”

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