During this modern era it is highly likely that individuals during adolescence will begin to corrupt their minds by abusing drugs , including tobacco , alcohol and many other illegal prescriptions. The reason behind abusing drugs may vary from person to person however the coure foundation lies beneath the desire for new experiences , an attempt to deal with stress or depression and also peer pressure. Even though individuals strive to seek peace or joy through harmful substances in an unhealthy manner , there can be very serious long term consequences. Yet , many individuals start using “light” drugs and move on towards abusing deadly drugs . The gateway theory demonstrates a Popular theory that when adolescence use cannabis , later in life …show more content…
It is sufficient to claim that Lewis. 2011. Memoirs of an Addicted Brain: A Neuroscientist examines his experience on drugs and concludes that individuals under estimate the relationship between science and personal dilemmas , between objectivity and subjectivity and notes his long lost search for productive engagement with science. Marc begins by illustrating the most vital component of the body and the role it plays in addiction , he states “This book shows how the fundamental workings of the brain are at the root of the problem, but from a unique vantage point. I use the events of my own life as a springboard to the addicted brain” (Lewis, 2011, p. 1) . Furthermore , Lewis identifies a link between science and autobiography. Marc invokes subjective experience similar to that of the climate scientist Latour as he observes sciences inability to resolve controversy by invoking the “institution” to substantiate his perspective. Marc believes that the foundation of scientific procedures as objective and impersonal ; I'm an expert on the matter from inside out and outside in, because I'm a drug addict turned neuroscientist. (Lewis, 2011, p.
In 2013, more high school seniors regularly used marijuana than cigarettes as 22.7 percent smoked pot in the last month, compared to 16.3 percent who smoked cigarettes. Sixty percent of seniors don 't see regular marijuana use as harmful, but THC (the active ingredient in the drug that causes addiction) is nearly five times stronger than it was 20 years ago. One-third of teenagers who live in States with medical marijuana laws get their pot from other people 's prescriptions. The United States represents 5 percent of the world 's population and 75 percent of prescription drugs taken. Sixty percent of teens who abuse prescription drugs get them free from friends and relatives. The purpose of this study is to explore drug use in adolescent
There are three main types of drug education, sensational, affective and social. (Reist 19) With the first approach, educators use sensationalist claims and scare tactics to prevent young adults from trying drugs. This method has been proven to be remarkably ineffective, with recipients being more likely to turn to hard drugs and overdose. The second method, the affective approach, was not better. This method was based off the assumption that drug users and alcoholics have a chemical dependency because of a personal weakness or deficit. However, this method refused to acknowledge the recreational users at all. This was a major problem because people can use certain drugs and alcohol in small quantities, in a social setting without ruining their lives. These classes focused on improving decision making skills and improve individual self-esteem. The most current form of drug education focuses on helping young people resist social pressures to use drugs or alcohol. Although these programs have received more funding that other drug education programs, they are still ineffective, with the best programs only stopping or delaying drug use in the very small number of students. (Reist 21) For an education program to be effective, students need to receive truthful information about drugs and their impact on the body. Take cannabis for example, the current system teaches kids that trying
This study looks to find a link between social skills and young adolescent usage of cannabis. Previous research compiled by Griffith-Lendering, Huijbregts, Huizink, Ormel, Verhulst, Vollebergh and Swaab (2011) shows cannabis is one of the most widely used substances, with frequent occurrence among young adults. Cannabis usage during this developmental time is linked to educational problems, increased use of other illegal drugs and deviant behavior. Other factors that lead to increased use of cannabis include low socioeconomic status, poor academic performance, early usage of tobacco and alcohol, family problems, and externalized behavior. Studying precursors of cannabis use is important to preventing not only cannabis use, but also the use of other illegal drugs.
In today's society, addiction is not viewed as brain disease. Many believe the act of taking illicit drugs or indulging in addictive behaviors, such as gambling, is a voluntary act. However, studies of the past few decades support the idea of addiction as brain disease. Unfortunately, this concept is still questioned because the behaviors of addiction have not yet been fully linked to neurobiology.
Macleod, J., et al., (2004). Psychological and social sequelae of cannabis and other illicit drug use by young people: a systematic review of longitudinal, general population studies. The Lancet, 363, 1579-1588.
There are many reasons as to why adolescents use these substances involving the desire for new experiences, simple peer pressure, and an effort to deal with problems in life. Adolescents are termed to be biologically energetic to look for new experiences and take risks to carve out their own uniqueness. They think that trying out drugs may solve their normal developmental issues but it is an unhealthy way that can make them have severe prolonged consequences. Many factors influence whether an adolescent or an adults uses drugs. These factors include accessibility of drugs in the neighborhood and peer pressure. The family atmosphere matters a lot since violence, mental illness, emotional or physical abuse, and drug use in the family boosts the possibility that an adolescent will use drugs (Miller & Carroll, 2006). This paper aims at describing as well as distinguishing the effects of drug abuse and addiction in adolescent age groups to adulthood. The focus will be based on the dependence and substance use ranging from adolescence to adulthood stages.
Canadian adolescents have among the highest rates of cannabis use compared to their peers in other developed countries. According to Statistics Canada in 2015, 22.4% of youth aged 15-19 reported past-year use of cannabis; among young adults aged 20-24, 26.2% reported past-year. This large amount of adolescents being exposed to marijuana raises concern due to the drugs negative effects on the developing brain. (Gruber et al, 2014). Among the negative effects are risk of greater substance use, legal problems, disruption education, injuries/medical problems, developing psychopathology, cognitive changes and chronic psychosocial struggles. (George et al., 2015). It is not fully known what the impact of marijuana use is on the adolescent brain and its development but there are many studies that have emerged to help better understand the effects. These studies include looking at the negative impact on cognitive function, self-destructive development and the consumption damages related to marijuana use in adolescents that will be covered.
The use of street drugs among adolescents is a serious health problem in the United States and is the primary health risk behavior that contributes to unintentional injuries, homicide, and suicide, which are the leading causes of morbidity and mortality among children between the ages of 12 and 18 years (Patnode et al, 2014). Even when used infrequently, the risks for serious adverse effects increase due to behaviors of those intoxicated or impaired. There are numerous reasons as to why adolescents choose to experiment with various substances, including family structure, media exposure, socioeconomic status, or simply the desire to fit in. Whatever the cause is for each adolescent, it is important to apply early intervention and prevention in order to avoid the need for further specialized treatment for substance abuse.
Teens are affected socially by marijuana because of its symptoms and effects it gives off once it is inhaled. The use of marijuana can cause many symptoms and lack of motivation as the user continues to abuse the drug, it also causes problems with the heart and lungs hindering the life of a teen, along with potentially causing fatal complications. Marijuana can affect one's school work, decrease motivation, work performance, and attitude towards duties. Marijuana also leads to delinquent behavior along with aggression; the use of drugs amongst teens tends to hinder the relationships with their parents, peers, or even relationship with teachers, which could hinder their education. Despite the growing legal availability of marijuana amongst
In a recent study conducted by Metlife and The Partnership at Drugfree.com, it was discovered that high school students have begun to use marijuana on a daily basis more frequently than alcohol (National Study, 2012). What had once been viewed as a “dangerous drug” is now being viewed as “normalized behavior” (National Study, 2012). While the perception of marijuana among teens may change, the effects remain the same. Studies have shown that marijuana use among teens can have negative effects on adolescent’s developing brain. Those negative effects can include long- term cognitive impairment and an increased risk for severe psychiatric disorders. Those who begin to use marijuana in the preadolescent stage, are at greater risk for
Young teenagers from ages 12-18 and young adults ages 18-20 have reported higher rates of marijuana use (NIDA, 2016). There are many different reasons that may explain this trend among young teenagers. For instance, peer pressure results in a lot of teens and adolescents of trying marijuana. Many people try this drug, because they want to fit in with a certain crowd. Many people who engage in marijuana usage later find themselves depending on the substance. For example, people state they
The development that takes place during the first eighteen years of life is essential in determining how one will handle going on each day. Traveling through these phases, individuals develop coping skills, critical thinking, problem solving, social skills and much more. The adolescent years are most crucial in preparing them for adulthood or college life because it is the skills, emotions and mentality they experience here, that will follow them into adulthood. Unfortunately, the effects that substance use has on the developing teenage brain can also carry over into adulthood and the rest of their life. With recent moves to legalize marijuana, we can expect to see an increase in cannabis use among teens due to increased availability, greater
The scientific journal article, Longitudinal Effects of School Drug Policies on Student Marijuana Use in Washington State and Victoria, Australia states that Marijuana is the most used taboo drug worldwide and an estimated 181 million of the world’s adults used marijuana in 2011. School-based prevention programs/policies have become the most prominent mode of drug prevention for adolescents. The main object of the study in this scientific journal article is adolescent students marijuana use. There are multiple goals of this study. The first goal of the study is to determine if student marijuana use can be predicted by the amount in which the school enforces their drug policies. The second, is to determine if student marijuana use can be predicted by the different ways in which schools respond to drug use in school The last goal, is to determine if student marijuana use can be predicted based upon the level that a school’s drug policy is based on refraining from using marijuana and the minimization of harm. The hypotheses of this study are affirming the goals. The first is that student marijuana use can in fact be predicted by the amount that the school enforces their drug policies. The second is that student marijuana use can in fact be predicted by the different ways in which schools respond to the drug use in their school. The last hypothesis is that, student marijuana use can in fact be predicted by the level that a school’s drug policy is based on refraining from using
A reduction or elimination of stigma associated with cannabis use may entice more people to try the substance. Although adults can use the substance in a low risk manner, there are more health concerns related to cannabis use in youth since their brains are not fully developed (CCSA, 2007, p. 17). Cognitive development becomes more rapid during teenage years; there are number of vital neurodevelopmental phases
Drug abuse is known to be a negative aspect on children's’ lives. Drug abuse is seen as the norm of today and thought of as a gateway from depression, stress, anxiety, and many other things teens suffer from today. It also comes from what the children are introduced to at home from their legal guardian. Even though drugs have been around and abused for quite some time now, drug abuse is at an all time high in today’s time. Some may wonder the question: How did drugs become the norm of today? Well, you see it everywhere. Places such as social media, tv shows, movies, and even the songs you hear everyday on the radio. It’s hard to even ignore the thought of drugs simply because it is plastered everywhere you go and mentioned in everything you hear. As adolescents, we are easily influenced by what we hear or see because our minds sometimes lack maturity. However, it must be realized that drugs are not the “cool” thing to do. To better understand them, it is important to know the different kind of drugs, the effects they have on your body and the consequences of using them.