Drugs and Alcohol Abuse - Adolescence - Drug and Alcohol Abuse

Adolescence and Drug/Alcohol Abuse: 

• Adolescence means both ‘a period’ and ‘a process’ during which a child becomes mature in terms of his/her attitudes and beliefs for effective participation in society. 
• Adolescence is defined as the time span between the ages of 12 and 18. In other words, adolescence serves as a transitional period between childhood and adulthood. 
• Adolescence brings with it a slew of biological and behavioural changes. As a result, adolescence is a particularly susceptible period in a person's mental and psychological development. 

⇒ Causes of drug/alcohol use in Adolescence: 

• Curiosity, the need for adventure and excitement, and experimentation constitute common causes. 
• Natural curiosity motivates him/her to experiment. 
• The first use of drugs or alcohol may be out of curiosity or experimentation, but later the child starts using these to escape facing problems. 
• Stress, from pressures to excel in academics or examinations 
• It is ‘cool’ or progressive to smoke, in youth.
• Television, movies, newspapers, the internet also help to promote this perception. 
• Unstable or unsupportive family structures and peer pressure.