Adolescence and Drug Abuse - Overview, Effects

Adolescence is a stage marked by rapid physical, emotional, and psychological changes, often making teenagers vulnerable to risky behaviors. During this phase, many adolescents experiment with substances due to curiosity, peer pressure, or the desire for social acceptance. This experimentation can sometimes lead to harmful consequences such as alcohol drug abuse prevention control.

This Story also Contains

1. Adolescent Drug Abuse
2. Causes Of Drug And Substance Abuse
3. Indications of Abuse
4. Right Treatment
5. Consequences of Teen Drug Abuse
6. Health Effects
7. Prevention and Control
8. Prevention Programs
9. MCQs on Adolescence and Drug Abuse

Substance abuse during adolescence can deeply affect human health, leading to issues such as weakened immunity and immune system, poor academic performance, and emotional instability. In some cases, prolonged exposure can even result in mental health problems and addiction. Educating young people about these risks and incorporating awareness programs related to adolescence and drug abuse is crucial in promoting a healthy future generation.

Adolescent Drug Abuse

Adolescence is always associated with drug abuse. Adolescence is the period that links childhood and adulthood. Teenage falls between 12 and 18 years old, which is usually referred to as the “adolescent age.”

• The adolescent period of life is very sensitive to the shaping of a healthy life, both physically and psychologically. Many external and internal forces influence their actions. They become vulnerable to drug use due to changes in hormones. They might likely get addicted to drugs once they come into contact with alcohol and drugs.

• During this crucial stage of life, peer pressure and stress may give rise to addiction to drugs. This will hamper physical and psychological function over time.

• The abuse of drugs and other substances by teenagers is very common nowadays. This may lead to harmful consequences. 50% of deaths by accidents or suicide are caused by drug abuse in the age range of 15-24 years. Drugs and other substances like alcohol or weed also cause physical and sexual abnormalities, which trigger the person to assault or rape.

• Experiences like abstinence, experimentation, regular use, abuse, and dependency are causes that lead to terrible addiction. Drug abuse also leads to mental health problems like anxiety and depression. Some teenagers use drugs due to peer pressure.

• Marijuana, cocaine, hallucinogens, and heroin are some of the dangerous forms of addictive drugs. The adolescence period is very sensitive for teenagers, and social pressure makes them indecisive about some life-changing decisions.

• Drug abuse and other substance abuse tend to be the most terrible health problems worldwide. According to the reports of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), approximately 5 per cent of the total population took illegal drugs in 2010, and 0.6 per cent of the total adult population can be classified as regular drug users.

• According to an international survey, drug abuse causes 2.5 million deaths every year. It causes a tremendous burden on society, as the calculated costs to treat drug abuse account for about 200−250 billion, which equals 0.3 to 0.4 per cent of the global GDP.

• A family history of drug abuse can create a pattern for serious abuse or dependency in teenagers. Preventing drug and substance abuse involves creating awareness through education and counseling. Supportive family environments and healthy peer relationships also play a crucial role. Schools and communities should promote life skills and coping strategies to help adolescents make informed choices.re is no absolute prediction as to who will abuse drugs. Therefore, physicians suggest not trying any substance that may lead to addiction. The ill effects can be prevented by minimising the risk factors and considering protective factors.

• There are studies that show a link between adolescent drug abuse and negative adult outcomes. It is assumed that the real problem starts at an early age. This causes intentional fatalities and higher death rates at the age of 15 -25 years.

• The effects of alcohol and drug abuse can significantly alter an individual's physical health, leading to acute and chronic conditions such as liver damage and respiratory issues.

Alcohol and Drug Abuse

• Addiction is the feeling of wanting more and more of the substance. A feeling of euphoria is caused by the consumption of drugs and alcohol. They become habituated to this sense of joy and start taking more drugs and alcohol. The body increases its tolerance level due to the use of drugs and the frequent use of alcohol.

• As a result, people take more drugs to feel better or even when they aren't needed. This habit makes the person repeat the cycle and causes addiction.

• To stay away from this addiction requires strong willpower, and this is better to initiate at an early age. Raising a teenager is very challenging, and the relationship between the parents and the teenager is very crucial. Bad family history, separation between the parents, and ill-treatment among family members are some risk factors that lead to substance abuse in teens.

• Friendship groups and family members are the most important factors that influence one’s habits. The first signs of addiction are bad signs such as increased use of a certain drug or weed.

• Economically, the effects of alcohol and drug abuse can burden families and communities through increased healthcare costs and lost productivity.

Causes Of Drug And Substance Abuse

Adolescents may turn to drugs due to peer pressure, curiosity, or to cope with stress and emotional challenges. Easy access to substances and lack of awareness also contribute. The causes of drug and substance abuse in adolescence are many. Some are mentioned here:

• Lack of parental support

• The communication gap between parents and teens

• Poor relationship management or lack of quality time

• Severe history of discipline and excessive strictness

• Family and relative issues

• Parental habits of alcoholism or drug use

• Impulsive behaviour of parents

• The psychological distress caused by academics

• Difficulty in attaining emotional stability

• Use by friends and family groups

• Useful ideas with a low risk of harm

Indications of Abuse

One must observe very carefully, and the little details in a teen's life should not be ignored by the parents. Signs of abuse include changes in behavior, declining academic performance, mood swings. Physical symptoms like red eyes or sudden weight changes may also appear. The following are general signs of trouble to look for in a person:

• Evidence of drug use in the form of physical shreds

• Poor grades in academics or lack of interest in studies

• Physical distancing or signs of depression and fatigue

• Change in behaviour

• Irritability and a change in attitude inside the house

• Decrease in personal appearance in front of others

• Physical changes include changes in eye colour, frequent sore throats, weight loss, etc.

• Mood swings are quick and terrible, as are eating and sleeping habits.

• Memory issue or lack of interest in facts.

Right Treatment

There are forms of family therapy that evidently work for adolescent drug abuse.Therapy focuses on important aspects of the teen's life, such as their relationships with their parents. It is very crucial for the parents to get involved in the treatment, as support is an essential part of the process.

Consequences of Teen Drug Abuse

Adolescence that starts getting used to drug abuse can suffer from all sorts of problems, ranging from health issues to relationship problems. It can lead to addiction, mental health issues, increases the risk of accidents, legal trouble, and long-term health complications.

• It causes negative effects on judgements and causes poor interactions.

• Leads to unsafe sex or pregnancy at a young age and harm reproductive health.

• It may lead to mental health disorders like depression and anxiety.

• It leads to reckless driving while abused.

• Leads to poor performance in academics.

• Intravenous consumption may cause the spread of infectious diseases like AIDS or sexually transmitted diseases.

• May cause disruption of vital organs like the kidneys.

Health Effects

Substance abuse affects the brain, liver, heart, and immune system. It may result in memory loss, weakened immunity, and hormonal imbalances, and can also cause long-term damage to physical and mental health. Health effects due to different types of drug abuse are discussed below:

• Cocaine use may cause seizures or a heart attack.

• Ecstasy consumption causes liver failure.

• Inhalants, if used for a long time, may cause lung and liver problems.

• Marijuana abuse leads to memory loss or loss of concentration.

• Opioids cause disorders of the respiratory system.

• Methamphetamine consumption increases the risk of psychotic behaviours.

• The use of electronic cigarettes leads to nicotine addiction.

Prevention and Control

Preventing drug and substance abuse involves creating awareness through education and counseling. Supportive family environments and healthy peer relationships also play a crucial role. Some of the preventive measures that can be taken to control drug abuse are discussed as follows:

1. The most effective ways to deal with alcohol and drug abuse are counselling and education.

2. To break the habit, one must avoid peer pressure. Utmost support from family and friends can make phenomenal changes in drug abuse patients.

3. Seeking help from rehabilitation centres can make changes in their lives by teaching them to control the negative impulse to use drugs.

Prevention Programs

Successful interactive methods and prevention programmes are incorporated to prevent behavioural changes in drug abuse patients. This can be done through the family, college, clubs, or healthcare centres.

1. Prevention through family programmes increases family bonding. It tends to eliminate the risk factors for adolescents abusing drugs. Here, the focus is given to enhancing family bonding, parenting skills, communication, and changing parental behaviours towards teenagers.

One such example of a family programme is multidimensional family therapy (MDFT). It focuses on the development of effective coping and problem-solving skills in young people.It enhances decision-making and helps in the smooth functioning of the family.

2. Other than family programs, there are community and school prevention programmes that emphasise addressing risk factors for later substance abuse, which include early aggression or academic dropout.

One example of a community and school prevention programme is Reconnecting Youth (RY), which is a programme for high school students with poor school achievement and the chance of dropping out. Signs of substance abuse, depression, or suicidal behaviors are screened to perfection.

MCQs on Adolescence and Drug Abuse

Q1. What is characterised by anxiety, shakiness, nausea and sweating , which may be relieved when use is resumed again ?

1. Withdrawal syndrome

2. Biopsy

3. Alopecia

4. None of these

Correct answer: 1) Withdrawal syndrome

Explanation:

Withdrawal syndrome is characterized by symptoms such as anxiety, shakiness, nausea, and sweating, which are often alleviated when the substance is used again. In some cases, withdrawal symptoms can be severe and even life-threatening, requiring medical supervision to ensure the safety and well-being of the individual. This highlights the physical and psychological dependence associated with substance use, making professional help essential in managing withdrawal and recovery.

Hence the correct answer is option 1) Withdrawal syndrome.

Q2. Addiction is

1. Intake of drugs

2. Intake of tobacco and alcohol

3. Both (1) and (2)

4. Physiological or/and psychological dependence

Correct answer: 4) Physiological or/and psychological dependence

Explanation:

When a person becomes physiologically and/or psychologically dependent on a substance, like drugs, alcohol, or tobacco, it is referred to as addiction. The inability to quit using the substance despite negative consequences and obsessive behavior are involved.

The alternatives are broken down as follows:

Drug use: Although drug use can result in addiction, dependency, not merely substance use, is what defines addiction.

Drinking alcohol and tobacco: Just like using drugs, drinking alcohol and tobacco can lead to addiction, but addiction is characterized by a dependence on these substances rather than just their usage.

Both options (1) and (2) cover drug, alcohol, and tobacco use, but reliance rather than consumption is a better way to characterize addiction.

Addiction is properly defined as physiological or psychological reliance. It involves an individual's mental and/or physical dependence on a substance, which results in compulsive use.
Physiological and/or psychological dependence on substances such as alcohol, tobacco, or drugs is known as addiction.

Hence, the correct answer is option 4) Physiological or/and psychological dependence.

Q3. Which drug is being excessively taken by some sports persons nowadays?

1. Opioids

2. Barbiturates

3. Cannabinoids

4. Lysergic acid diethyl amides (LSD)

Correct answer: 3) Cannabinoids

Explanation:

Sportspersons who misuse drugs, do so to enhance their performance. They (mis)use narcotic analgesics, anabolic steroids, diuretics and certain hormones in sports to increase muscle strength and bulk promote aggressiveness and as a result, increase athletic performance.

Hence, the correct answer is Option 3) Cannabinoids.

Also Read:

• MCQs on Commonly Abused Drugs and their Effects

• Difference Between Innate and Adaptive Immunity

• Human Health and Disease