Teens are more inclined to engage in risky behavior because of the perceived benefits from social interaction (peer pressure or feeling accepted) but without taking into account the potential health consequences. To get help and support, reach out to your doctor in case you are concerned about parenting teens.
Teen Substance Abuse: Health Impacts
Drug abuse is a risk for anybody of any age. Teens are at greater more risk than the rest of us due to the fact that their minds and bodies are still developing. There are numerous health effects of teen substance abuse the majority of which are negative.
The Reasons Teenage Brains Are Vulnerable To Addiction
Over the last few years, researchers have been studying the brain and how it develops throughout a person's lifetime. Certain studies concentrate on the changes that take place during teens. Puberty and the time preceding it are a whirlwind of a lot of physical and psychological changes. The brain development of teenagers occurs in different amounts based on the physical changes that take place. The pleasure centre of the brain is developing faster than the parts that are responsible for planning and risk analysis. Teenagers are often risk-averse however they may not know the consequences of their actions. Experimentation with drugs and alcohol is common during these formative times and can have lasting effects on the health of a teenager. This book on addiction prevention could help to prevent teens from committing drug addiction.
The Development of the Brain During Adolescence
Researchers discovered that a massive increase in both physical and intellectual development occurs in the adolescent years. Certain brain functions are altered as a person gets older. As the brain grows to its full physical size around 11-14 years of age, it does not finish maturing until your mid-to-late-20s. Prefrontal cortex, also referred to as the front area of the brain, is the last part of the brain that develops. This region is responsible for decision-making and prioritizing impulses.
A variety of mental disorders, such as schizophrenia, anxiety and depression are a result of these massive brain changes. Teenage brains require more sleep than children and adults that may be affected by substances abuse. A lack of sleep can affect one's ability to pay attention and increase impulsivity, anger and depression. Teens often resort to drugs either to experiment or cope with their problems, both of which can cause short- and long-term effects on the health of a teenager.
The reason why substance abuse is harmful to the brain
A healthy lifestyle during the teenage period is essential for the development and maintenance of a healthy brain. A teen's short-term health is affected by alcohol and drug use. It can also reduce or even stop the growth and development of the mind and body. There are many factors that affect a teen's decision to experiment with drugs, which is a combination of genetic disposition, personality traits as well as mental health conditions and of course, their environment. Teens who witness the effects of emotional abuse, violence, or abuse in their household are more likely to abuse drugs.
Teen brain damage by the use of drugs
Limit your ability to experience pleasure
Interfering with neurotransmitters.
The brain's connections are susceptible to damage.
Memory loss is preventable
Learning potential or IQ can be reduced.
The risk of developing alcohol abuse.
Teenage drinking and the effects it has on teens
Alcohol consumption is illegal for people under 21 years of age however, research shows that 10% of all alcohol in the U.S. is consumed by teenagers between 12 and 20. In actual fact, by the end of 12th grade, around two-thirds students will have tried alcohol. Teens are more sensitive to the negative side consequences of alcohol than adult, and tend to binge-drink. However, research also shows that teens may be more sensitive to certain of alcohol's harmful effects. Teen drinking can lead to:
The puberty process is delayed.
Negative effects on the reproduction system
Higher levels of liver enzymes
Liver damage
Lower bone mineral density
Shorter limbs and reduced growth potential
About 15% of people who begin drinking after the age of 14 develop a dependency or develop into an alcoholic. Alongside harming the body, alcohol consumption is often accompanied by other dangers, such as unprotected sexual activity as well as reckless driving. Alcohol-related injuries account for around 4,300 deaths each year across the United States.
Teenage smoking and its effects
Alcohol as well as marijuana and tobacco are the most commonly utilized substances by teenagers. Between 9th-12th grade half of the students claimed that they'd used marijuana. Nearly 4 out of 10 said they had tried smoking cigarettes. Although the detrimental effects of smoking cigarettes are well-known, the majority of people who smoke regularly began smoking before 18. Electronic cigarettes are becoming more popular among teenagers However, users breathe the same amount of nicotine as cigarettes that are used in regular cigarettes.
The use of tobacco and nicotine can lead to addiction as well as damage to vital organs, breathing problems, and lung cancer. People who begin using marijuana prior to the age of 18 are between four and seven times more likely be diagnosed with teen substance abuse. Research shows that marijuana is linked to an increased chance for mental illness such as depression and can dull a person's attention, memory and ability to learn. Teens who smoke marijuana are less likely than those who don't.
