The teen years consist of a series of challenges for everyone. For some though, those challenges can quickly change from conquerable to overpowering, and this can lead to some serious issue for teens.
Once teens enter high school, they are bombarded with the pressures of maintaining good grades, engaging in extracurriculars, getting ready for college, having a social life, and figuring out what they want to do for the rest of their lives.
In addition to the normal stressors that come with being a teenager, it’s not uncommon for teens to face ridicule from peers, feel enormous amounts of pressure from parents or academic advisors, and also to begin dealing with mental health issues which, if in a bad condition, can lead to the start of consumption of dangerous drugs.
There is no single age group of people more affected by drugs than young people. In some ways it feels like it is an issue everywhere: for you, your family and your friends. Plain and simple, try as you might, you cannot escape the issues of drugs. Nationwide, alcohol and drugs affect each and every one of us, directly or indirectly: in our homes, in our families, in our school, in our dorm, in our community, town or city.
FACT: More than 23 million people over the age of 12 are addicted to other drugs affecting millions more people — parents, family members, friends and neighbours.
For some, one time or infrequent use of drugs can result in tragedy: An accident or fall when under the influence of drugs, or an arrest associated with drugs that may cost you your reputation and/or your freedom. For others, even though they may not use drugs, they could become a victim of a drug-related crime. And, for yet others, what may have started as occasional use can turn into an addiction that presents extraordinary health concerns with potentially grave and tragic consequences.
Drug addiction among the youth people belonging to the different strata has posed a serious threat to the health of the society to-day the entire world over. The popular and intoxicating drugs are usually produced from opium. The young addicts are found at large in the nooks of the parks in cities, in the deserted houses, by the side of the holy rivers and even in beaches (in case of beach areas). It may sound a little unusual but it is in fact true that some of the beaches of Goa have become the veritable havens of the drug addicts. It is very much unfortunate to say that the sanctity of the premises of many educational institutions too has been outraged by the intrusion of the drug-addicted pupils. Many student hostels have been transformed into dens of drug peddlers. The drug industry is posing serious threat to a sizable section of the youths, in particular, to their charmed circles with irresistible impetuosity. We mark the acuteness of this malady when its menacing rise in an alarming proportion among the youth in India in recent years is brought to the surface. Drug addiction among youth is matter of genuine concern to all the people.
5 reasons teens start using drugs and alcohol
No two teens are alike, and neither are the challenges that they face. However, there are several common reasons why teenagers may begin to experiment with drugs or alcohol in the first place.
Peer pressure – The National Institute on Drug Abuse conducted a survey in 2019 and discovered that 1.9 million adolescents, aged 12-17 years have used illicit drugs. A majority of these teens reported being given drugs or alcohol by a peer. Teens want to be accepted and to fit in. When their friend offers them drugs or alcohol , it’s unlikely that they’ll say no.
Self-Medication & Escape – It’s not uncommon for mental health symptoms to begin to make an appearance during the teen years. In order to cope with symptoms of depression, anxiety, or other mental health disorders, teens often begin using drugs or alcohol to minimize their symptoms or to “numb out”
Performance Improvement – With immense amounts of pressure relating to academics and extra-curricular activities, teens may begin using performance enhancing drugs or stimulants in order to meet the expectations of their parents, teachers, or coaches.
Experimentation – Kids are naturally curious, and kids grow into teenagers. It’s not uncommon for teens to seek out drugs or alcohol just to know what the sensations of being inebriated are like.
To Feel Grown Up – Teens want to feel grown-up, and it’s no surprise that they do! The idea of being an adult is new and exciting, and being able to drink, smoke cigarettes, or use illicit and harmful drugs is also exciting for many teens.
The abuse of alcohol and drugs has resulted in significant morbidity and mortality among adolescents worldwide. Many of these youth will lose their lives to drugs and alcohol and a significant number are likely to grow up to become problem drug users. Although, the substance abuse problem is complex and large in magnitude, there is a substantial amount of evidence-based research available to physicians, community leaders and schools to implement interventions that can decrease adolescent substance abuse rates. Because this issue is not peculiar to any one community or culture, we recognize that individual interventions may not be universally effective.
Aishwarya Says:
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