Adolescence Substance Abuse

Doweiko explains there are several factors that increase an individual’s vulnerability for a substance use disorder (SUD). Lack of parental bonding can have an impact of what the child learns. Environmental factors include poverty, sparse opportunities in life and no chance of going on a vacation to get away from the neighborhood. Not having the means to have a safe purposeful life can lead people to escape reality with drug use. The most important factor is an individual’s life goals. Deciding what they want to do with their futures and whether or not substance use or abuse is something they want in their future goals. If an individual’s goals are not planned then they are vulnerable to substance use or abuse (Doweiko,

Adolescence, usually defined as individuals between the ages of 12 and 20, is a period of transition, brain development and challenges1, 2, 3. Adolescence is the peak time to engage in risk taking behaviors2. Substance use is a common occurrence among adolescents. The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse has identified adolescent substance use as one of the United States’ top public health concerns4. In fact, an individual’s chance of becoming a cigarette smoker drastically declines if smoking is not initiated by the time the individual is 18 years old. Alcohol and Marijuana are the most commonly used substances among adolescents1,2,3. The National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health, the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance Study, the Center for Antisocial Drug Dependence, Monitoring the

For several generations now drug abuse among teenagers and young adults has been a major problem in American society. To address the problem successfully in term of diminishing the amount of illegal drug use among this age demographic, we must first understand the patterns and trends over time in terms of what drugs teenagers use, how they obtain them and then use them, and what factors cause or influence them to engage in such activities. First we should define our terms and limits of discussion. “Drugs” here means not only substances that are illegal in themselves like marijuana and cocaine, but misused prescription medications as well as household substances not meant to be used as drugs such as glue and nutmeg. Doctors can actually sometimes prescribe drugs like cocaine, marijuana, and steroids for medical purposes but which are more often used illegally and harmfully. We are not going to consider alcohol even though perhaps it should be because it is a substance used to later mods and our mental states just like illegal drugs. Most of can recite the reason drug are bad for teenagers. Drug use can delay or even permanently damage adolescent brains that are still growing. Drug abuse can lead to poor life choices such as driving under their influence or engaging in criminal activity or just impairing teenagers ability to keep up with schoolwork. The reason we care about teenage drug use from the standpoint of developmental psychology has to do with the impact of drug use

There are countless adverse effects that result from prolonged substance use, as shown in the research done by Stagman, Schwarz, and Powers (2011). Their findings state that substance use can impede on autonomy, creation of relationships, as well as other important milestones during this stage of life that help an adolescent to integrate into society as a well functioning adult. Other consequences can include physical, legal, behavioral or emotional effects, and in severe situations can even result in death. Substance use during adolescence is especially detrimental to their developing bodies and brains. At this time, there are biological, physical, and hormonal changes happening.

Substance abuse among adolescents is becoming an increasing concern. There are the obvious health issues associated with substance abuse, but many people do not consider the long term affects of drug and alcohol use. In this paper I will discuss substance abuse among teens, causes, statistics, effects of substance abuse,

Substances abuse on today’s teens has become one of the main problems in the United State Society. Even though the Juvenile Department Center has create different programs and campaigns to help lower the rate of juveniles abusing substances, it seems hopeless. Now, this problem has directly affected Jane, who’s her son (which is a teen) has become involved with abusing three different substances. To be specific, Jane’s son has been abusing Percocet’s, Alcohol, and Marijuana. Jane has ask this author to provide her with facts in order to help her comprehend and help his son with the problem he has got himself into. Therefore, this paper will explain three things: explain the effects these three substances (Percocet’s, alcohol, marijuana) have on her sons, explain which drugs are addictive and what this means for treatment, and offer her the best treatment option/s for her son.

The social problem is the condition that at least some people in community of us being undesirable. Everyone would agree about some social problems such as murders and DWI traffic deaths. Other social problems may be viewed as such but entertaining groups of people. Teenagers who played loud music in the public park obviously do not view it as a problem but some other people may considerate and undesirable social condition. Some non smokers view smoking as an undesirable social condition that should be banned or restricted in public buildings A drug is any substance other than food that when inhaled ,injected, smoked, consumed,absorbed via a patch on the skin to cells under the tongue cause a physiological change in the body. In pharmacology

One fact from the source was that “Teenage drug abuse is one of the major international concerns that we are facing today. There are various reasons why teenagers begin using drugs. For many teenagers, getting high on drugs is their way of getting into the “in crowd.” As a result, teenage drug abuse is often rooted in the concept of social acceptance.” This fact is important because it explicitly explains the possible reason behind the behavior of drug abuse. Another fact is that “Teenage drug abuse may also be rooted in the concept of testing oneself. There is a fallacy floating around that if you are not able to handle drugs, then you are weak. Given this, teenagers begin using drugs in an effort to prove themselves. Many times teens take more and more of a drug to try to impress their peers. At a party, a teen may take repeated hits off a bong amid the cheers of their friends. With this level of support and praise from friends, teens often feel good about themselves, leading them to repeat this behavior.” This fact is important because it brings how social status and popularity could also be a major factor. My last fact is that “If a teen’s parents or other immediate family members have struggled with abuse and addiction, it increases the likelihood of the teen developing a substance abuse issue as well.” This fact is also important because it shows how it can be spread through family genes and that it has been a major problem for many generations. My third source speaks about a certain branch of drug abuse popular in teens called

Many of the results I found on the basis of why the youth are more prone to starting drugs and altering their future in a negative manner were not surprising. I knew that teenagers have brains that are still developing therefore, their impulses are more out of control “because the cellular adaptations associated with addiction processes occur in the same regions of the brain as those undergoing preferential maturation during adolescence, adolescence should be viewed as a period of particular vulnerability to the effects of rewarding drugs and to the development of future drug-related problems” (Centre on Substance Abuse, 2007, p. 35). Also, it’s not surprising how high of an influence the youth experience around his or her peers because all

In my hometown, I have noticed an abundance of drug use. Many teens get peer pressured into doing drugs by their friends. They tell it’s cool, and how it can easily clear your mind. Also on TV they act like are fine. But what they don’t tell you is how it can totally ruin your life. You can become addicted and get into a lot of trouble. After recent research, I conclude that teens using drugs are a major problem in Piedmont and nationwide.

Substance abuse has become a notable public health threat to today’s adolescents. Substance abuse is associated with an array of behavioral and psychological consequences that can jeopardize the future of the young people. Lifelong dependence is another possible consequence of drug abuse among adolescents. Ultimately, counselors are supposed to come up with effective programs to address addiction issues among the adolescents to prevent them from relying on drugs in future. Counselors rely on direct counselling, group counselling, community collaborations and parent participation to make a difference in the lives of adolescents abusing drugs. Nonetheless, counseling adolescents with substance abuse is challenging and in order to make a difference, counselors must be prepared to handle those challenges.

Drugs and Alcohol have many effects on a person’s mind and body. If prolonged use of these substances continues, the effects can be serious or even life threatening. Parents, teachers, the media, and friends all have a large impact on how others see the world. Teachers and parents must take the time and responsibility to teach and inform the next generation about drugs and alcohol. If a child has the proper awareness and guidance, he will be less likely to use them in his adolescence and adulthood. Parents and teenagers may be overwhelmed by the fear of drug and alcohol abuse. Parents cannot control all of the things their children do. Though they can set an example and provide

drug users" and it was found that they all shared a similar lifestyle. All had

Substance abuse has long been a problem across the United States. Adults over drink every day and smoke many packs of cigarettes in only few days. However substance abuse it not only a problem among adults any more, adolescent teenagers are now also among those who are over using substance in a critical manner. Substance abuse is a growing problem for developing adolescence all across the United States and a good way to help battle this is needed.

Among adolescents aged 12 to 17 years, 9.8 % are estimated to be current users of illicit drugs, with 4.9 % using drugs other than marijuana. Nearly three quarters of students have started to drink alcohol and nearly half (47%) have tried using an illicit drug (not including alcohol or tobacco) by the senior year of high school.” (Hassan, Harris, Sherritt, Van Hook, & Brooks, 2009)