drug abuse

Running Head : Drug Abuse

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Drug abuse in teenagers

Introduction

Teenagers have a history of abusing alcohol than any other illicit drug . Alcohol abuse is a very risky behaviour to young people because they lack the coping skills and judgement required to handle alcohol wisely . Teenagers begin abusing alcohol at an average age of 11 years for boys and 13 years for girls . Teenagers who begin abusing alcohol at such an early age are more likely to develop alcohol dependence Adolescents who

develop alcohol dependence are usually from families with the history of substance abuse . The teenagers lack self esteem experience feelings of failure and feel like they don 't fit in teenagers between the ages of 15-22 are believed to be risk takers and tend to take alcohol because it seems like an exciting activity . They often develop the habit of taking drinks so as to fit in socially or feel like grown ups (Sims , Preston ,

. 2006

Alcohol abuse in teens

The teens ' risk for abusing alcohol is usually caused by surrounding factors such as personal , family and community factors . Young people with poor personalities lack self esteem , feel socially isolated and develop rebellious behaviour towards authority . They turn to alcohol abuse as an escape route for their problems . Growing up with parents who abuse drugs or who emotionally abuse their children , makes the children turn into alcohol to cover up for the emotional and physical pain Inconsistent parenting patterns such as harsh punishments tend to increase the teens ' risk of developing alcohol dependence . Most teen alcohol abusers come from communities which tolerate the substance and so teens have an easy access to alcohol . Teenagers succumb to peer influence so as to their friends and fit in socially

Effects of alcohol abuse in teens

Alcohol makes teenagers withdraw from their roles and responsibilities . They become less involved in activities which previously used to interest them especially their hobbies . The personality of these teenagers changes abruptly especially in terms of discipline , work output and school attendance . The teens develop outbreaks of temper , change their attitudes and become rebellious towards symbols of authority in their lives . They have difficulties in paying attention or concentrating on any meaningful activity (Masline 2000

It is difficult to diagnose alcohol abuse because symptoms of alcohol abuse could be similar to symptoms of other emotional and psychiatric diss . Alcohol abuse in teens affects their mind and body , making them lack judgement and coping skills . Teen alcohol abuse leads to early sexual intercourse , rape , robbery and other violent criminal activities

Solutions of drug abuse in teens

Early detection of alcohol abuse in teenagers is the main form of solving alcohol abuse among young people . Teen substance abuse treatment programs have been implemented both as inpatient and outpatient programs . Inpatient programs are located within a treatment facility where the teenagers are provided with individual and group counseling for a period of four weeks . Outpatient programmes focus on psychotherapy for the teenagers and...