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An essay regarding addiction in adolescence ...

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Running head: ADDICTION IN ADOLESCENCE 1

Addiction in Adolescence Claudia Y. Madrigal Liberty University

ADDICTION IN ADOLESCENCE 2 Addiction in Adolescence It is evident that there is a substance abuse and addiction problem world-wide. Substance abuse can affect any person and adolescent. In the United states, “slightly more than 2.3 million adolescents aged 12 to 17 in 2014 were current users of illicit drugs” this constitutes to almost 10% of the adolescence population (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2015, p.5). This problem has been on the rise. According to Sussman (2010) it is stated that in the year 2002 there was only an estimated 1.4 million teens who were using alcohol or an illicit drug. In twelve years nearly a million more teens had a substance abuse problem. Research will be further discussed in the topic in order to understand some of the interventions, spiritual development effect on drug use and local news stories regarding alcohol or drug use. Much of the research conducted is focused on the effects that drugs can have on adolescents. Teens are in a developmental stage in their lives and drugs can affect that development. Brain development is also one of the main reasons why this population is so vulnerable. According to “Drugs and the Teen Brain” (2019) in Choices/Current Health one of the main parts in the brain which are responsible for critical thinking is still developing, the prefrontal cortex. Therefore, it is sometimes easier for teens to engage in decision making that provides instant gratification instead of weighing in the pros and the cons. This also makes teens to be at a higher risk of becoming addicted or binge drink. Binge drinking can also cause harmful changes to a brain in the stage of adolescence (“Drugs and the Teen Brain,” 2019). It is important to have interventions in place in order to avoid substance abuse problems in teens. Preventative intervention is a great approach to reduce the substance abuse problem in teens. Educating teens as soon as they enter high school or perhaps before, can help them make more informed decisions in the future. Creating programs that are specific for high school

ADDICTION IN ADOLESCENCE 3 students can ensure that students can relate to the risks of drug and alcohol use (Wong, Hall, Justice & Wong Hernandez, 2015). One of the interventions that has been controversial is the use of narcotics in order to help with drug addiction. Often, this method is perceived as counterproductive and Pope Francis has also expressed his concern. During the International Drug Enforcement Conference. Pope Francis “made it clear that narcotics should not be used as a solution to drug addiction” (Hannum, 2015). This interaction will counteract the abuse of drugs in the first place. Another intervention that is counterproductive is the needle exchange program. The purpose of this program is to reduce the spread of diseases due to needle sharing. However, covering up the problem of drug addiction with other interventions is often frowned upon (Hammun, 2015). However, some interventions are helpful like the preventative intervention at an early age. Having a healthy spiritual or religious development can also be beneficial to reduce drug use, abuse and addiction in teens. Having a spiritual development can actually help teens avoid drugs and their use. Religiosity and spirituality “provides moral guidance to the young as well as strong social networks” (Felipe, Carvalho & Andrade, 2015, p.55). Having strong morals and values can aid in decision making, especially when it comes to illicit drugs. Becoming part of a church group and enhancing that spirituality is also beneficial. Belonging to a group can change the lifestyle of teens. Therefore, becoming a part of a group that has a positive influence on the teen is essential. By being an active participant in such group will create “less teenager association with deviant peers” (Felipe, Carvalho & Andrade, 2015, p.55). Making sure a teen has a strong spiritual development can be the key to avoiding the use of drugs or a drug problem. Recently, local news has been filled with stories in regards to vaping. This is a recent and alarming issue that has gained national attention. The deaths due to vaping have been such a

ADDICTION IN ADOLESCENCE 4 concern that this new trend is gaining more attention. Some of the articles have linked the use of e-cigarettes and vaping to the recent legalization of marijuana in the State of Washington. The controversy of legalization of marijuana has also declined the “high school students’ perception of the harm from regular marijuana” (Loiaconi, 2019). The problem of drug use and addiction has been ongoing, and prevalence will continue. The drug industry is always evolving and now drugs are more accessible than ever. Drug use has been on the rise and it does not seem that the recent interventions are effective. Substance use, abuse and addiction are a true problem for the general population. However, this subject is even more concerning when it is happening to our youth. Teenagers are developing and going through an important developmental stage in their lives. When they introduce substances to their body their brain development and decision making are affected. Incorporating new activities, new sports, learning a new language “helps build new connections that make [their] brain stronger and better” (Drugs and the Teen Brain, 2019). Furthering research on this topic and considering the current interventions could be the key to reduce the problem of substance abuse and addiction in teens.

ADDICTION IN ADOLESCENCE 5 References Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality. Behavioral health trends in the United States: results from the 2014 national survey on drug use and health. 2015; (HHS Publication No. SMA 15-4927, NSDUH Series H-50). https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/NSDUH-FRR1-2014/NSDUH-FRR12014.pdf. Accessed 21 September 2019. Drugs and the teen brain: Adolescence is a critical time in brain development. That means teens are at greater risk of experiencing the harmful effects of drugs and alcohol. (2019). Choices/Current Health 34(4). https://go-gale-com.ezproxy.liberty.edu/ps/i.do? p=AONE&u=vic_liberty&id=GALE| A567634044&v=2.1&it=r&sid=AONE&asid=43c37e88 Felipe, A. O.B., Carvalho, A. M.P., & Andrade, C. U.B. (2015). Spirituality and religion as protectors for adolescent drug use. SMAD Revista Electronica Salud Mental, Alcohol y Drogas, 11(1), 49–58. https://doi-org.ezproxy.liberty.edu/10.11606/issn.18066976.v11i1p49-58 Hannum, K. (2015). The addict next door. U.S. Catholic, 80(7). https://go-galecom.ezproxy.liberty.edu/ps/i.do?p=BIC&u=vic_liberty&id=GALE| A420780647&v=2.1&it=r&sid=BIC&asid=3688f8c8 Loiaconi, S. (2019, September 19). Vaping illnesses continue to spread as THC risks revive marijuana legalization debate. Retrieved from https://keprtv.com/news/nationworld/vaping-illnesses-continue-to-spread-as-thc-risks-revive-marijuana-legalizationdebate Wong, D. W., Hall, K. R., Justice, C. A., & Wong Hernandez, L. (2015). Counseling individuals

ADDICTION IN ADOLESCENCE 6 through the lifespan. Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publication Inc....