The modern world is full of diverse activities and hobbies that can have both strictly positive and negative effects. In other words, the world’s versatility becomes both a virtue because each individual can find his own business, and a disadvantage because among the hobbies are often destructive addiction. One of these habits is teenage drug addiction, which usually leads to drug obsession as an adult. Particular emphasis is placed on teenage drug addiction because it is the most vulnerable and fragile time in a person’s life when emotional and mental experiences can cause unhealthy hobbies. This essay is aimed at discussing the phenomenon of teenage drug addiction.
First of all, it should be noted that adolescent drug addiction is a pathological dependence on narcotic drugs in teenagers, which develops, as a rule, as a result of a combination of psychological, biological, and social factors. Much research has been done to identify the causes of addiction, and most of the research has focused on complex family relationships, problems in study or work, peer humiliation, and the influence of pop culture (Pathak & Pokharel, 2017). The impetus for teenage drug addiction often comes from mental problems stemming from distorted upbringing, an unhealthy family atmosphere, and age-specific emotional and psychological features of the puberty period. Other external factors may also include a lack of feeling of freedom, oppression based on opinions, sexual orientation, religion or ethnicity, and the death of a loved one.
It is essential to accept that adolescent drug addiction entirely is not an abstract problem, but a very tangible one, with a negative impact on a significant proportion of young people. According to “Drug use among youth” (2020), 43% of all college students are dependent on drugs, which is a considerable number. The diagnosis is made based on external signs, conversations with the patient and his relatives, and special tests. Screens in the form of rapid tests based on biochemical analysis of urine, saliva, or blood are widely used to determine whether drugs are used among adolescents (Hayley et al., 2018). However, it is essential to note that such an intervention is not painless for the adolescent, hence advanced medical science is developing ethically neutral oral tests that allow for a certain degree of accuracy (Iannelli, 2020). Diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation should only be carried out by a licensed specialist since the strategy of care is that the teenager needs regular psychological professional support. It is through the specialist’s actions that the degree of neglect can be determined, but more importantly, it is possible to learn the external factors underlying the choice of drugs in order to limit influence. The examination of the child’s patient should be accompanied by understanding and not disdain on the part of the doctor, and, most importantly, by medical secrecy. The family therapist should establish broken links between family members and show respect for the adolescent’s identity without giving away all secrets to parents. This is important because even if a young person refuses to use drugs, the constant stressful environment within the family will one day cause drug addiction again.
The primary mission of support is to recognize the problem, not ignore it. In addition, the factor that motivates an individual to use drugs must first be identified, and then this reason minimized. The child needs serious support and love, so the parent, teacher, or doctor should demonstrate that they care about the child. It is essential to learn to listen to young people’s problems, act as a team, and remain calm. Only constructive care can help a teenager get out of a problem.
References
Drug use among youth: Facts & statistics. (2020). NCDAS.
Iannelli, V. (2020). Drug testing and drug screening for teens. VeryWell Mind.
Hayley, A. C., Downey, L. A., Hansen, G., Dowell, A., Savins, D., Buchta, R.,… & Stough, C. K. (2018). Detection of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in oral fluid, blood and urine following oral consumption of low-content THC hemp oil. Forensic Science International, 284, 101-106.
Pathak, D. C., & Pokharel, B. (2017). Causes of drug abuse in youth: Case of Mid-Western region of Nepal. Journal of Advanced Academic Research, 4(2), 44-54.