By eighth grade, 29.5% of adolescents had consumed alcohol, 15.5% had smoked cigarettes, and 15% had used marijuana (11 facts about teenagers and drug use). Substance abuse by young adults using illegal or prescription drugs and alcohol can result in a loss of interest in education, serious emotional problems, and chemical dependency. Substance abuse can cause lower grades, leading to being less involved in school activities, skipping school due to lack of interest, and possibly dropping out all together. Drug use can lead to chaos in the home, leading to domestic violence and lack of communication, which can cause tension and breakdowns in relationships. The adolescent may need more of the substance to get the full effect or high due to the tolerance he or she has developed to the substance. They may also feel like they can't function or go through the day without using the medication. Teens who use drugs or alcohol typically have had something in their lives that led them to such use. There are many factors that can cause a teenager to drink or use drugs. The factors can be social, mental or hereditary. Many reasons teens choose to use drugs and alcohol are social factors. Teens may want to fit in with their friends or a certain group. They may also feel mature and grow while using substances. If teens have mental problems, they may be more likely to use drugs or alcohol. Teens who feel they are not emotionally attached to or loved by their parents are more susceptible to drug use. Teens who have low self-esteem or emotional or mental health problems, such as depression, are also at greater risk of drug use (teen alcohol and drug abuse). Adolescents who have alcohol and drug addictions in their family history... at the center of the card... suicidal thoughts and thoughts. In conclusion, substance abuse has the greatest mental effect on adolescents, affecting performance in school, emotional problems, resulting in domestic relationships becoming strained and disrupted and even adolescents becoming chemically dependent on the drugs they use. Works Cited Raczek, Linda Theresa. Adolescent addiction. San Diego: Lucent, 2004. Print."Impact of Drug Use on Your Life." RSS of the ReachOut blog. Np, nd Web. November 24, 2013. “Adolescent Alcohol and Drug Abuse.” Cigna, a global health insurance and healthcare services company. Np, nd Web. November 25, 2013. “Health Services.” Health services. Np, nd Web. November 25, 2013. “Dual Recovery Anonymous: A 12-Step Fellowship.” Dual Recovery Anonymous: A 12-Step Scholarship. Np, nd Web. November 25, 2013. “The Effects of Drug Abuse on Adolescents.” Casa Palmera. Np, nd Web. November 25. 2013.