Mitigating Youth Substance Abuse: Road to Drug-Free Society
The worldwide concern about youth substance abuse remains a pressing issue with profound social implications. Certain studies and social organisations have highlighted the prevalence and patterns of youth substance abuse.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), USA, more than 7% of 8th graders, 20% of 10th graders, and 33% of 12th graders reported using illicit drugs in the previous years. Whereas, 14% of 12th graders reported using prescription drugs for non-medical purposes.
This situation may or may not be different in other parts of the globe. Drug abuse patterns vary globally based on the availability of illicit drugs, the majority of peer groups, and parental monitoring.
Adolescents and young adults are subject to numerous challenges that could lead them to substance abuse. No doubt, once they get into any substance abuse, it becomes difficult for them to get rid of it. It deters their mental, physical, academic, interpersonal, and personal growth. Willpower, proper guidance, proper medication and a change in environment esp. peer groups, can lead to successful rehabilitation of young adults. This blog discusses the severity of this complex subject and ponders upon the toxic relationship between youth and drugs. While highlighting the underlying cause, and consequences, we try to focus on the countermeasures aiming to foster a resilient, drug-free community.
Experimentation to Addiction
Youth substance abuse starts from experimentation. When they first start using drugs, a lot of young people or teenagers think they can control their use without getting addicted to it. However, this idea frequently proves false because haphazard experimentation can easily lead to dependence. This shift reveals a severe misinterpretation of the dynamics of substance abuse and the addictive nature of drugs.
According to research published in JAMA Network, 60% of adults who had addiction in their youth, continue experimenting with drugs even in adulthood2. It suggests that if one doesn’t stop consuming substances in their youth, there is little chance that the person will get over it. Therefore, immediate drug addiction prevention, youth rehabilitation programs, and monitoring by parents are essential to carb addiction in its early stages.
Peer Influence on Youth Substance Abuse
Peer influence is a crucial factor in drug experimentation among the youth. The desire for social acceptance can lead individuals to align their actions with peer group norms, such as drug use. Additionally, transitioning to college and the hosteller experience can increase feelings of isolation and stress, increasing the appeal of drugs as a means of coping.
A report published in Adolescent Research Review stresses two interrelated processes associated with peer influence:
Peer Selection: how adolescents choose to interact with peer groups.Peer Socialisation: how individual behaviour is influenced by peers over time.
The study suggested that peer selection influences adolescent alcohol and tobacco use.
Similar studies also emphasised the peer influence over other kinds of substance abuse as well. Our elder always stressed on having a “good company”. The influence of a friend’s company can be observed in all of our character and behaviour. We can say it without researching it.
Therefore, to overcome drug abuse, changing peers is a must. One cannot keep on going to the drug-parties and claim to not consuming it. It is very difficult for an addicted person to resist in a condition suitable for substance consumption. Thus, it is advisable to avoid such scenarios. Creating a supportive environment may overcome drug abuse among youth. Change your peer or change your priorities, choice is yours.
Physiological and Psychological Consequences
Psychological Effects
- Craving: leads to mood swings, depression, anxiety, paranoia, hallucinations.
- Decrease in Pleasure: decline in enthusiasm and passion due to underlying depression.
- Loss of Control: impaired impulse control and damaged relationships.
- Complications with Mental Illness: substance abuse worsens existing conditions.
Physiological Effects
- Brain Chemistry: distorted pleasure perception due to dopamine/serotonin imbalance.
- Cognitive Effect: infants exposed in utero may suffer lifelong cognitive issues.
- Mortality: overdose and accidental poisoning are major causes of death.
- Short-term Physical Effects: e.g., cocaine increases heart rate and blood pressure.
- Long-term Health Consequences: memory, learning, concentration impairment.
Relationship Between Drug Abuse and Crime
Drug abuse, violence, and crime walk side-by-side. There is a strong correlation between drug abuse and the increased likelihood of being involved in criminal activities. Studies suggest that drug use and criminal activity are mutually facilitative, active addiction increases the frequency of criminal behaviour. Whereas different types of drugs are associated with different kinds of crimes. This poses challenges to the individuals involved and threatens public safety and societal harmony. Additionally, the societal stigma surrounding drug use makes it difficult to recover and reintegrate individuals struggling with addiction.
The Need for Action
Breaking the Chains of Dependency
Addressing both physiological and psychological dependencies requires comprehensive intervention strategies.
Strategies for Prevention and Recovery
Educational initiatives, sports, arts, and mindfulness can provide healthy alternatives to drugs.
Rehabilitation Efforts
Recovery programs focus on detoxification, psychological support, and life skills training.
Encouraging Positive Engagement
Sports and creative activities enhance health, accomplishment, and self-esteem, reducing drug use.
Envisioning a Drug-Free Future
A comprehensive strategy encompassing education, rehabilitation, community support, and positive activities can help establish a resilient, drug-free society.
The so-called fast-growing life separates communication and bonding between parents and children. A study suggests that parents are often unaware of their children’s drug and alcohol use.
A news report suggests that 60-70% of street children in Delhi, India are victims of substance abuse. Inhalation of correction pen or whitener is a form of substance abuse.
References
- Monitoring the Future | National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2023, December 14). National Institute on Drug Abuse. Link
- McCabe, S. E., Schulenberg, J. E., Schepis, T. S., McCabe, V. V., & Veliz, P. (2022). Longitudinal analysis of substance use disorder symptom severity at age 18 years and adulthood. JAMA Network Open, 5(4), e225324. DOI
- Henneberger, A. K., Mushonga, D. R., & Preston, A. M. (2020). Peer Influence and adolescent Substance Use. Adolescent Research Review, 6(1), 57–73. DOI
- Goldfield, D., Zhang, M., & George, T. P. (2024). Substance Use and Anxiety Disorders: A scoping review. Current Addiction Reports. DOI
- Oliveira, L. (2010). Drug addiction and enjoyment. Link
- Jones, R. (2013). Turning down drug-seeking. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 14(5), 308. DOI
- Lesser-Katz, M. (1982). Some effects of maternal drug addiction on the neonate. International Journal of the Addictions, 17(5), 887–896. DOI
- Drug-related deaths and mortality in Europe: update from the EMCDDA expert network. (2024, April 17). Link
- Nordstrom, B. R., & Dackis, C. A. (2011). Drugs and crime. Journal of Psychiatry & Law, 39(4), 663–687. DOI
- Fink, L., & Hyatt, M. P. (1978). Drug use and criminal behavior. Journal of Drug Education, 8(2), 139–149. DOI
- Green, A. E., Bekman, N. M., Miller, E., Perrott, J. A., Brown, S. A., & Aarons, G. A. (2011). Parental awareness of substance use among youths. Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs, 72(1), 44–52. DOI