Substance Abuse for Teenagers
The society is currently confronted with issues regarding juvenile delinquencies and drug addiction. What is so alarming is that a child as early as 5 years of age may already be engaged in substance abuse.
Study shows that an unhappy childhood due to poor family relationship is one reason why teens develop substance abuse habits. Some of the teens may have experienced parental neglect, harsh punishment or even sexual abuse while still young. And because of the anxiety, low self esteem and fear that developed in their early stage of life, chances are an experiment with the “illegal substance” can take place as a way of coping with the situation.
Another factor is peer pressure. As we all know, teens are caught up between the child and adult stage that they always want to fit in and belong. Once the child or the teen associate with friends who engage in substance abuse, most likely, he/she can be influenced.
Other factors such as low parental attachment, feeling of being unwanted, rejection and family conflict can also contribute to the early substance abuse of teenagers. They may indulge in such activities to cover up the fact that they have problems. The use of illegal substances such as drugs can be an escape from the present situation and the feelings of insecurity.
Drug abuse and juvenile delinquency are two related things. It is found out that teens that are into substance abuse are most likely to commit crimes in order to sustain their vices. Since their inhibitions are lowered by the “drug”, they can take risks. But we can never say that teens who take drugs greatly contribute to the increasing crime rates.
Reasons may vary from one user to another but it still boils down to one thing-emotional problems. Support from the family or peers can help lower the substance abuse cases in the early stage but still it goes with the choice. It is better to educate teenagers about the consequences that they are going to face in the future rather than judge them with the present situation.