Introduction
Teenagers undergo a range of physical, psychological, and social changes. On the one hand, they remain relatively dependent on their guardians, while on the other hand, they begin to experience adult life more deeply as they go through puberty. One of the opportunities that adolescents have is experimenting with various substances, which, on multiple levels, is both a way to deal with emotional changes and an element of socializing.
Pressure persists when it comes to substance use, which is why many teenagers engage in nicotine, alcohol, and drug use. In this paper, research will be examined regarding three concepts correlating with substance use in adolescents. Specifically, quality of life, social relationships, and behavioral difficulties will be examined in correlation with cigarettes, drugs, and alcoholic drinks.
Quality of Life
While substance use is often perceived as natural for the teenage age group, the negative consequences highlight the severity of the issue. Namely, the research conducted by Frobel et al. (2022) illustrates the correlation between nicotine, alcohol, and drug use and a decrease in the quality of life. In this care, the quality of life encompasses elements such as physical and psychological well-being, relationships with parents, and school environment.
The finding aligns with logic when substance use is examined from the perspective of the changes that it is linked to. For example, it is certain that alcohol use hinders physical health as the teenager experiences adverse effects such as nausea, headaches, and fatigue. Thus, health outcomes are at risk, especially under the condition that alcohol use is frequent and the teenager drinks in large quantities.
Regarding psychological effects, alcohol misuse generates circumstances in which the teenager is less likely to be able to focus, have inhibitions, and maintain a good memory. The issue is more evident when alcohol use becomes an addiction. This, in turn, may lead to depression, anxiety, and impaired cognitive abilities. Relationships with parents are also diminished once a teenager engages in substance use (Frobel et al., 2022).
Namely, parents are more likely to be confrontational or strict, while the adolescent is prone to becoming more isolated and exhibiting negative behavior. Lastly, the school environment is also adversely affected. Achieving academic success, having positive relationships with teachers, and maintaining focus are less likely to be achieved when the teenager is under the influence of an illegal substance. The findings highlighted by the researchers are entirely valid and correlate with the practical experiences of teenagers who engage in this type of behavior.
Social Support
Substance use is often associated with a lack of social interaction and isolation. However, researchers highlight that cigarettes and alcohol, in fact, maximize social support and interactions (Frobel et al., 2022). It is essential to consider the environment in which adolescents engage in substance use.
Namely, drinking alcoholic drinks and smoking cigarettes are considered inherently social activities. Thus, teenagers are surrounded by peers when they exhibit this behavior. As a result, the potential pressure to partake in the aforementioned actions, as well as the desire to be a part of a social group, minimizes negative perceptions of nicotine and alcohol.
Instead, the actions may correlate with a likelihood of making and maintaining friends, which is of significant importance in the adolescent demographic. Thus, the author’s argument that data illustrate a connection between cigarettes, alcoholic drinks, and social interactions appears to have a valid background that supports the topic. Needless to say, the social support that results from this behavior is not necessarily positive. Yet, it is essential to acknowledge illegal substances as primary interaction and socializing elements during adolescence. Furthermore, individuals tend to be more accepting and encouraging of said substances, unlike drugs.
Behavioral Difficulties
Another concept that is discussed in the research is behavior. Namely, the authors have determined that substance use leads to behavioral difficulties in adolescents (Frobel et al., 2022). This highlights that potential issues, such as school and home issues, as well as troubles with the law, can be expected if drugs and alcohol are abused. It is a valid argument as illegal substances distort inhibitions and may affect judgment.
Researchers have explained the phenomenon as sensation seeking. Once inhibitions are minimized and comprehension of consequences is diminished, an individual is more likely to operate irrationally. Aggression, property damage, and further elements may be exacerbated. Based on the overall understanding that alcohol and drugs do, indeed, impact individuals and may influence them to engage in criminal or otherwise damaging activity, the research has come to obvious conclusions. Adolescents exemplifying said patterns can likely experience behavioral issues that lead to adverse consequences.
Conclusion
The examined study has determined three essential factors concerning substance use in adolescents. Namely, researchers highlight that drugs negatively correlate with life quality, alcohol and cigarettes are linked to social support, and illegal substances result in behavioral problems. The arguments are, indeed, valid and based on the practical implications of illegal substances on socio-economic and cognitive abilities. Drug use results in physical, psychological, and interpersonal consequences. At the same time, nicotine and alcohol use are often associated with a social setting. Furthermore, the distorted judgment caused by substances may lead to behavioral problems.
References
Frobel, W., Grafe, N., Meigen, C., Vogel, M., Hiemisch, A., Kiess, W., & Poulain, T. (2022). Substance use in childhood and adolescence and its associations with quality of life and behavioral strengths and difficulties. BMC Public Health, 22(1). Web.