Substance Abuse in adolescents

Substance Abuse in adolescents

In the past couple of decades, there have been reports that adolescent indulges in drinking alcohol and using drugs. Influence of the peer group combined with low frustration tolerance, aggressive tendencies, and easy availability of drugs lead to increased use and abuse of substances by these youngsters. They appear to be least concerned with its ill consequences. As children reach the age of adolescence they have a strong tendency to explore the world and their environment. This is a time when the growing individual experiences strong peer pressure to join them in what they are doing, school and parental pressure to perform at a higher level of academic achievement and so on. This is also the time when the young individual goes through considerable physical and psychological changes with increased hormonal activity.

7 Common Symptoms of teen’s Substance abuse include:

• Your teen may experience unusual tiredness
• Low Grades in their academics
• You can observe their red eye
• A smell of Substance on breath and clothes
• They Avoid eye contact
• Guarded Behaviours
• Loss of interest in activities

Help your teen avoid drugs

• Ask your teen’s views
• Know your teen’s activities
• Know your teen’s friends
• Discuss with them the ways to resist peer pressure
• Establish rules and consequences

Hence,If you  and the school do not handle this stage appropriately , the youngster may fall into the a group of undesirable friends. They, may also be tempted to try smoking, drinking, use of drugs and many such undesirable activities in which these friends may be indulging. This is the time they try out many things that the adults do, however, they are not yet ready or mature enough to handle the demands of adulthood.

However,If no proper help is available they may stray off into many behaviours which may be considered unacceptable as for instance, drinking, indulging in antisocial activities and substance abuse.

Learn more About Dr Prerna Kohli