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Last Updated: Oct 23, 2019
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Substance Use In Youngsters And Adolescents!

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Dr. Sachin AroraPsychiatrist • 12 Years Exp.MBBS, MD - Psychiatry
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Substance use among adolescents is on the rise and is happening at a very young age. A study conducted by NIDA and SAMHSA portrays some alarming statistics. The percentage of substance use among school kids has gone up by 11.33 percent. This is close to a 60 percent rise compared to the previous decade. Around 9 percent of girls and 20 percent of boys meet the adult diagnostic criteria for alcohol use. Furthermore, 20 percent of high school students were found to be daily smokers. Studies also found that while the percentage of overall abuse of the drug is steadily decreasing over the years, the availability of drug has increased to a considerable extent.

The consequences:

  1. Mortality: Motor vehicle accidents caused by drunk people have increased in the past couple of decades. Road accidents under an increased influence of alcohol have risen by a staggering 16 percent as per a CDC report. Annually, the country witnesses close to one million road accidents by adolescents and young people in the age group of 20. This is by far the biggest economic loss – a loss of productivity to the society.
  2. STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) - The sexual health hazards of adolescents remain high due to the possibility of acquiring STDs. Substance use by adolescents and young adults often leads to unprotected sex with the partner, choosing multiple sex partners and choosing partners who have a high potential of STDs. Studies have shown that young females in the age group of 15-19 suffer from gonorrhea and those in the age group of 20-24 suffer from syphilis due to high usage of substance.
  3. Crime and juvenile delinquency: There is a strong co-relation between substance use and conduct disorder among young people. Many young individuals entering the juvenile justice suffers from an array of problem ranging from substance use disorder, impaired emotion, sexual victimization, physical abuse etc. There is a growing trend of criminal activities among young people who are involved with substance use.
  4. Developmental problems: Multiple studies conducted by the Newcomb and Bentler (1989), Havighurst (1972) and Baumrind and Moselle (1985) have proved that substance use is a major barrier to the development for young people. Activities such as establishing a career, dating, raising and bearing a child, building a relationship etc. are affected because of the way people experience feelings.

Treatments: Administering treatment to a young guy suffering from substance use is of paramount importance. It helps to ensure the possible future abuse of drugs. While there are many treatment options, the one that is applicable to a drug addict depends largely on the present condition and the advancement of the effect of the drug on the body. Most doctors start the treatment with medication and lifestyle changes and suggest community service. Self-help groups also help a great deal.

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