subject: Drug Or Alcohol Dependency Can Be Typical In Juveniles [print this page] Substance abuse in juveniles is a major issue because this may lead to diseases, accidents, physical disabilities and psychological problems. Indeed, young individuals who misuse alcohol and drugs are at high risk of having deadly diseases, accidents and suicide or homicide.
Juveniles who misuse drugs or alcohol may use legal substances inappropriately or use substances that are not legal. Illicit substances that can be misused by young individuals include cocaine and heroin while legal substances that they may abuse include medicines and glue that can easily be accessed in stores. According to professionals from drugs and alcohol treatment centers, addiction to substances is a dependency that takes place when the initial abuse results in a need for the substances that cannot be controlled.
Impacts of Drug or Alcohol Abuse
Young Individuals who abuse drugs or alcohol usually have issues with their school performance and may have relationship problems with their friends and family. They may have academic troubles when they tend to make frequent absences, refuse to take part in school activities and have failing grades as well as decreased interest to go to school. Some professionals employed in drug or alcohol rehabs, young people who abuse substances are also likely to feel estranged from peers and family members and may commit crime then face legal consequences.
Important Considerations
Substance abuse in young people doesn't always involve picking alcohol or popular drugs only. There are a lot of young people who have been involved in taking cough or cold medicines in order to achieve the high feeling. An over-the-counter medicine like dextromethorphan can be obtained from stores or in their home. Because of this easy access, they may think that the medication will not cause them any harm. But, this medicine can cause several risky side effects that include high fever, high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat and hyperthermia.
Abuse of alcohol or drug can be an issue for any juvenile despite the efforts of parents to offer enough support and guidance. But, young patients can be helped by some factors. For instance, being with a family whose members are close to each other will make it easier for young people to express and share their issues. This can help in preventing them from turning to other people who are likely to give them poor advice on things like alcohol or drugs. It is important for parents to be always aware of the friends and connections of their children because juveniles can easily follow what their peers are doing such as drinking alcohol or using drugs.
Juveniles are easily convinced by their peers to use alcohol and drugs. Because of this, parents should understand that these young people need their assistance and support.
