We cannot deny that many countries today have drug-oriented communities, but the essences of drug use are not necessarily the same for the adult and teens, as the bulk of adults with addiction first experimented with drugs before they turned 21. Recognition and prevention of drug use can end the occurring problem before it starts. This article will set a sheet of discussion about drug usage, aids in teenagers and its prevention or way-other.
WHAT IS DRUG ADDICTION?
Many don’t know how one becomes addicted to drugs. A very famous myth follows here is – the one who lacks values, willpower and morals are the victims of addiction. Drugs or alcohol doesn’t mean you try them and you will become an addict. Many teens have experimented with drugs but aren’t addicted. It’s more important to understand why some teens are tempted to experiment \ engaged to take drugs in the first place. Drug addiction is quite a complex disease that changes your brain, thought process, actions - making it harder to quit. The initial stage of addiction is a voluntary decision and time by time seeking more drugs coming to be compulsive. The repetition in intake of drugs makes a brain ardent and body to relapse with fluctuating needs, leading to the risk of several chronic disorders.
THE PSYCHOLOGICAL POINT OF VIEW
Most of the drugs cause effects like hallucinations, euphoria as well as flooding the body with Dopamine [chemical messenger]. The individual starts finding pleasure in using drugs and as the person continues to use drugs often, the intake quantity may increase with the craving, causing the ability of brain cells to respond distinctly. The person eventually starts feeling less high than the first time experience. The brain adapts the habit, however, long-time use of drugs can cause a change in the chemical system of the brain often leading the person to become liable to derive pleasure from other kinds of stuff they used to enjoy, like food, romance or socializing. The side-effect is quite driving and can cause a problem in learning, decision-making, memory and behaviour.
SOURCE - KNOW WHAT IS DRUG ABUSE!
Several illegal smuggling or delivery of drugs do take place in cities but even some Narcotic Painkillers like OxyContin and Benzodiazepines like Xanax produce pleasurable effects that teens may seek out. These substances come with a high potential for abuse and overdose to the body. It also includes the intentional inhalation of household or industrial chemicals for their mind-altering effects. Do you know some common signs of teen drug abuse can be decreasing grades, bloodshot eyes / avoiding eye contact with others, laughing or reacting for no reason, loss of interest in activities or socializing, poor hygiene maintenance, frequent hunger, smelly clothes, secretive behaviour, tiredness, etc.?
REASONS FOR DRUG INTAKE!
There’s no single factor that can decide whether a person will be addicted to drugs for that or not. Taking drugs at any age can lead to addiction, the earlier that drug use begins, the more likely it will progress to addiction. A combination of factors like genetic, environmental, and influential factors can bring risks for addiction. The increase in risk factors caused a greater chance of taking drugs that can lead to addiction. Some other common ground reasons are curiosity, societal change, peer pressure, stress, desire to escape from reality.
Genetic factors - People born with traits that risk for addiction where gender, ethnicity, and the presence of other mental disorders in genes may influence the risk of addiction and drug use.
Environmental factors - An individual’s environment includes several influences from family and friends to financial status and life. Where factors like peer pressure, experimental perspective, physical or sexual abuse, early exposure to drugs, stress and no parental guidance can greatly affect a person’s likelihood of drug use and addiction.
Developmental factors - Both genetic and environmental has a crucial basis in the developmental stages of life. That usually becomes problematic for teens as it affects control on their decision-making, judgment and self-control that is still developing in teens may open an option of trying drugs to them.
The target list of drug addiction seems to entertain the teens [ under the age of 18] more with solace than the adults. The adult is assumed to be conscious already acquired with a sense of individuality and experiences. However, drug use for teens in contrast tend to become ethnocentric and egocentric with more drug usage. The individual absorbs a narrow drug culture and neglect responsibilities, pause in development starts taking place.
HOW TO REACT!
As a parent you shouldn’t overreact to the fact of drug addiction or usage if your child is involved in drug-related activity – your reaction can lead the teen to feel insecure and less open. Parents should explain how they care about their child and their child’s future, they must find the reason for such a step taken by the child and fulfil the gap of lack. Teens who feel supported and loved are more likely to stop experimenting with drugs and can pursue help openly if they have an addiction. Naturally, there is are possibilities that teens may lie about their drug use. Parents should reassure that their child wants help and how much concerned or aware the child is. If a teen continues denying using drugs but the parent still suspects lies or discomfort, a home drug test can uncover a teen drug problem.
THE WAY -OUT FROM THE DRUG ZONE
Therapists, paediatricians, and addiction specialists can also help uncover a teen drug problem or you can easily look for rehabs, contact mental health centres for treatment
Just like other chronic diseases, such as asthma, brain or heart disease, treatment for drug addiction generally isn’t a cure. However, addiction is treatable and can be successfully managed. People who are recovering from an addiction will be at risk for relapse for years and possibly for their whole lives. Research shows that combining addiction treatment medicines with normal and behavioural therapy ensures the best chance of success for most patients.
RECOMMENDED DOCUMENTARIES
Usually, people find themselves in a tight place to understand the effects of drugs or here are some referral documentaries that can help you understand the side-lines of drug usage –
HEROIN E [ 2017], UNDERSTANDING THE OPIOID EPIDEMIC, RUSSELL BRAND – FROM ADDICTION TO RECOVERY, RECOVERY BOYS [ 2018], GENERATION FOUND [ 2016], PRESCRIPTION THUGS [ 2015], etc.
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