Chapter 10
Drug Abuse and Addiction in Adolescents and Teenagers.
Despite the numerous and awe-inspiring gains achieved by mankind over countless millennia, the world today is still a very hectic place to grow up and live in. Children born in to this so-called new age are faced by challenges that were unfathomable a century ago. We are used to global problems such as child mortality, rampant cases of illiteracy among children who should be in school and many other problems that often afflict the youth as they develop. However, the world's younger population is now faced with a new and more destructive reality; wide spread drug abuse and addiction. The period of transition from childhood to adulthood is particularly sensitive. This period is known as adolescence and it typically begins around the age of 14. Individuals at this age are also referred to as teenagers, and the rates of drug abuse in this particular phase are shockingly high. Surveys carried out by the National Institute on Drug abuse show that most teenagers usually start off by consuming alcohol because of easy availability. Although this might not seem like a great cause for alarm, it is estimated that about 50% of adolescents who consume alcohol, have a high likelihood of using stronger drugs in future, or developing alcohol dependence later on in life. An important factor to investigate is what drives teenagers to use drugs. An obvious answer would be peer pressure, but although this is a major reason, there are other more subtle factors. Ease of access to drugs is a key enabler for teenagers and especially those living in households were alcohol and other substances can be found in accessible areas.
Adolescents are also well known for their tendency to rebel for no logical reason. This often comes not only from physical and hormonal changes during this age, but also from the sources of information and entertainment that teens are exposed to. With this rebellion comes an urge to engage in risky activity like using illegal drugs or binge drinking, in an attempt to either fit into a certain social grouping or just to get attention. In cases where an adolescent has low self-esteem, they are more likely to use drugs in order to feel a sense of acceptance from peers. The perception that some risky habits are "cool" is another reason why drug use has particular allure to persons of this age group. Adolescence comes with a lot of pressure and expectation from various social circles; this brings with it stress and is often another reason for teens to self-medicate. Presently, it is not uncommon to find drug dealers roaming around schools or even students who actually sell drugs to their co-students within school premises. This ease of access creates a situation where teenagers can get their hands on drugs whenever they please.
Marijuana is currently the most accessible illegal drug for persons of this age and although the use of illegal drugs among teenagers is on the decline, other substances like prescription medication are easily available. The use of drugs like methamphetamines and ecstasy is also rampant, especially during the so-called "raves" that teenagers love to attend. Some parental habits also play a role in enabling access to drugs, for instance, parents who give their teenagers overly generous allowances or pocket money, create a situation where drugs can be purchased easily, used, and even distributed. The ability to identify various characteristics among adolescents who may be using drugs is important, especially if an early intervention is to be made. Although short term or experimental use may be a bit difficult to identify, prolonged drug use by adolescents often leads to noticeable changes in behaviour and eventually to addiction. A sudden loss of interest in academics or a sharp drop in grades, coupled by other factors like mood swings, withdrawal from social encounters and a general sense of introversion could be indicators of drug use. Adolescent drug addicts may also result to stealing finances from the household in order to fund their habits. In extreme cases, teenagers have been known to engage in violent crime and gang activity in order to easily access the drugs they are hooked on. Once some of these characteristics are observed, the individual's parent or guardian should approach the matter with a sense of understanding and calmness with an aim of resolving the problem and not being judgemental or aggressive. Apart from a tendency to turn to crime and adverse effects on education, drug addiction has other dire consequences for adolescents, and quite often, the person's immediate family suffers considerably. This particular age group is prone to substance addiction, at times leading to irreversible emotional and psychological damage. The effect of drug addiction on the developing adolescent brain disrupts neural connections eventually leading to impaired reasoning capacity and perception. Some of these effects can stay with the individual for life affecting future relations and prospects. It is estimated that more than 50% of teenagers who learn about drug use and addiction from their parents, eventually stay clean and do not use. It is therefore imperative for parents and guardians to impart this important knowledge on a topic that is sometimes considered to be taboo. However, for adolescents who are already using, and those who are addicted, other urgent and effective interventions need to be taken. Family and friends need to be involved in the process, and it is important to note that patience is key. When adolescent addicts are confronted with the issue, they tend to be aggressive and defensive; therefore, it is important to come up with an intervention strategy that will be acceptable to all.
Although some parents fear the eventuality of a rehab facility, this option should always be considered, especially in cases where the addiction is severe. It is important to note that the intervention process does not stop after rehabilitation. Close relatives and friends of the affected teenager should offer support after the process to avoid the possibility of relapse. Making the affected individual feel accepted and forgiven for past wrongs is also important since it creates a sense of comfort.
