Substance Abuse In Young Adolescents

Substance abuse is considered overindulgence in or dependence on an addictive substance such as alcohol or drugs. People abuse substances for varied and complicated reasons. Alcohol and tobacco are the drugs most commonly abused by teens, followed by marijuana. Young adolescents tend to favor inhalant substances, such as glue, the fumes of household cleaners, sharpies, pens, or even Whiteout. Whereas older teens are more likely to use synthetic marijuana, “K2” or “Spice”, and prescription medications such as pain relievers like Vicodin and stimulants like Adderall. Many illegal drugs today are made in home labs, so they can vary greatly in strength. These drugs may contain bacteria, dangerous chemicals, and other unsafe substances. Regardless

Sadly, there are numerous causes of addiction that have permanent effects on a person abusing these substances. Addiction usually occurs when repeated use of drugs changes how a person’s brain functions over time. “Substance abuse often occurs when young adolescents imitate and are influenced by models who smoke and to whom they are exposed. They tend to abuse more frequently when they are associated with others, family members or peers, who smoke or who have a pro-smoking attitude” (Scalici pg.2). Teens are most likely to start abusing drugs when they are facing new and challenging social or academic situations. Stressful early life experiences such as being abused or suffering other forms of trauma are another important cause of addiction. Young adolescents with a history of physical and/or sexual abuse have also been known to be diagnosed with substance use disorders as

For example, a teen with a substance use disorder is more likely to have a mood, anxiety, learning, or behavioral disorder as well. “There are many adverse health effects of prohibition, such as transmission of HIV and the hepatitis C virus, social effects of imprisonment and of a criminal record, and violence” (Knopf pg.1). Substance abuse at an early age can affect brain development as a person gets older. Over time, the impact of drug abuse and the dependence can cause serious harm to almost every organ in the human body. Drug use can weaken the immune system, cause liver damage and even mental confusion. Not only can it impact the organs, it has been proven that it can lead to behavioral issues, such as paranoia, aggressiveness, hallucinations, and loss of self-control. Drugs are known to invade the brain’s communication system and interfere with the way neurons send, receive, and process information. They do this by either mimicking natural chemicals or by over stimulating the center of the