Why adolescents are more vulnerable to drug abuse, Alcohol consumption, and smoking.

 

Why adolescents are more vulnerable to drug abuse,

Alcohol consumption, and smoking.

Currently in India more youngsters discover themselves addicted to drugs than ever before. In 2018, 27% of 8th to 12th graders used an illicit drug. 29% used drugs and suffered depressive episodes. Indians are increasingly hitting the bottle at a young age or shooting narcotics up their nostrils and blood vessels, replacing the puffs of cigarette smoke that gave them a high about a decade ago.

Teen substance abuse is problematic for several reasons. Teens are still developing important life skills, their identity, likes and dislikes. If teens begin experimenting with drugs to fit in or gain friends, they can unknowingly set themselves up for a potentially life – threatening habit, making prevention critical. For many youngsters, rewards are chosen before consequences are considered. Imagine, at an age when kids are usually obsessed with Enid Blyton novels or the latest show on Cartoon Network, a young student at school has been consuming ‘solutions’ so he gets high.

Some studies of the human brain have attempted to pinpoint the changes that occur during adolescence. Health researchers have found that dramatic spurts of both physical and intellectual growth happen during the teenage years. As the brain changes, some brain functions form at different rates. The pleasure centers of a teenager’s brain develop faster than the parts of the brain responsible for decision – making and risk analysis.

Usually it starts off innocently enough. Children grow older and reach the teenage and young adult stages of life. With age, the parents’ influence often diminishes, and as part of life’s natural progression, youngsters are influenced more and more by their peers. According to the UN, India has 10 million of the world’s estimated 247 million drug abusers. There is no latest national-level data to bring out the magnitude of the problem, but doctors are registering a considerable rise in number of drug abusers. One major youth drug addiction study declares, “In India, the majority (of addicts) became hooked on drugs after friends introduced drugs to them.” The study goes on to report that an additional 35% of subjects interviewed became addicted after trying out drugs for fun and out of curiosity. It is suggested that the intention of weight control might be influential in causing the high incidence of smoking in teenagers

Teens abusing harmful substances may decide to do so in order to cope with distressing mental and emotional conditions such as Depression, Anxiety, broken relationships, poor health, low self-esteem, Grief, Loss or trauma, Problems making friends, etc. Although some of these conditions may be temporary, their effects can last a lifetime.

There are many signs that a teen is using drugs. It is important to know the difference between drug abuse and addiction. Many teens experiment with drugs but they are not addicted. It can be difficult to tell the difference between pangs of adolescence and actual drug use, but parents can be proactive in talking to their teen to find out what’s going on. Some common signs are

How to tell your child is a drug abuser

Ø  Sudden change in behavior such as frequent mood swings, cranky, irritable

Ø  Disturbed sleep and eating habits; loss of appetite

Ø  Lost in his own world, avoiding eye contact.

Ø  Change of friend circle, missing curfew.

Ø  Unusual tiredness, Falling ill frequently

Ø  Spending more money

Ø  Drop in academic performance

Prevention of drug and alcohol abuse can start at home. Parents can talk to their children and explain the consequences. Parents can establish consistency in communication, as well as guidance that can be followed for years. Preventive conversations can lead the adolescents to strengthen trust with their parents.

Parents should not overreact if their teen comes clean about using drugs. Overreacting or lashing out can prevent a teen from opening up about their experience. As a parent, you need to know more authentic information about substances and addiction. As you learn, share your knowledge with your spouse and your children. In case of denial by teen and if parents suspect untruthfulness, a professional help can uncover a teen drug problem. Parents should explain that how they care about their child and their future.

De-addiction centers are incorporating “youth specific” programs into their centers. These youth rehabilitation opportunities can be very beneficial, and often make strides towards a future of total abstinence. Discover a center that could change you or your loved one’s life.

Remember, you’re not alone. Help is available – all you have to do is reach out.

Dr. Mona Shah

Occupational Therapist, Clinical Psychologist

Kasturba Health Society, Medical Research Centre.