Substance abuse among teenagers- A new threat

Lifecycle’s crucial developmental period teenage is defined by prominent biological, psychological & social transitions towards adulthood & increased independence. While maturing naturally, a teenager acquires skills to carry out adult duties, build a positive body image, expand social bonds, manage sexuality, nurture their self-identity & develop an urge to explore with experimental tendencies. 

Why adolescent is a vulnerable period?

There is a gap between exciting emotion-driven brain system activation, impulses & brain system maturation urges. There is a less developed cognitive decision-making power, increased stuck feelings, unknown future worries & emotional decisions. 

Tremendous neural changes occur, comprising enhanced world-related curiosity, to feel new experiences, risk-taking tendencies, reward systems, depression, substance abuse, obesity, aggression & reckless behaviour. 

Increased vulnerability brings more exposure to harmful experimentation & health-threatful severe consequences, like violence, vehicular accidents, risky sexual practices, self-harm, and death. 

Demographics

•    Most prevalent among the 15-29 years age group 
•    Increase in treatment usage in the past 20 years 
•    More prominent among boys compared to girls 
•    High-end drug consumption is greater in urban groups compared to rural parts

Risk factors for substance use

General factors- gender, ethnicity, community, country, substance availability, social media usage & economic deprivation.

Personal factors- academic failure, family disputes & disturbances, rebel & antisocial inclination, peer pressure, loneliness, difficult life conditions, impulsiveness, stunted emotional support, and low self-esteem.

Recreational factors - urge to add excitement & feel goodness. 

Types of substance use

Tobacco-It is mostly smoked in the forms of bidi and cigarettes or using devices such as chillum, and hookah.

Alcohol- Highly preferred leading to underage drinking behaviour.  

Marijuana- Most prohibited common substance, cannabis usage among college students, street children & working adolescents.  

Opioids

These centrally stimulating at very low doses and sedative at high doses.
Inhalant use

Mostly used in low socioeconomic groups.

Over-the-counter drug

A cough suppressant & cold medication, DXM (dextromethorphan) in overdose is habit-forming, intoxicating & life-menacing.

Warning sings

Physical- fatigue, recurrent health complaints, red gazed eyes & lasting cough 
Emotional- personality & mood changes, irritability, low confidence, poor judgement,

depression & lack of interest

Family-oriented- argumentative, pessimism, rebellious thoughts, isolated & secretiveness

School-related- grade drop, absenteeism & indiscipline 
Social- making friends with similar socially withdrawn people 

Prevention attempts

Effective simple solutions for substance abuse pathways are complex & need time-appropriate preventive strategy planning & implementation. 
Access high-risk populations, keep a tap on substance availability, boost anti-drug law, and improve social & family protection. 

Conclusion

A lot of comorbidities & complications are associated with the problem of substance abuse which starts in early adolescence & continues to adulthood. More supportive studies, early detection, appropriate deterrence, awareness & education drives can avert the hazardous substance abuse consequences & promote the nation’s bright future.