A 13-Year-Old Boy Living In Urban Poverty With His Mother

A 13 Year Old Boy Living In Urban Poverty With His Mother And Six Youn

A 13-year-old boy living in urban poverty with his mother and six younger siblings is exhibiting concerning behavioral changes, including trouble at school, belligerence toward authority figures, neglect of friendships, and signs of substance use such as the presence of marijuana. Understanding the motivations behind his marijuana use requires exploring potential psychological and social factors influencing his behavior during this challenging period of adolescence. Two plausible reasons for his marijuana use are escaping from stress and peer influence. These reasons can significantly influence the type and pattern of drug use, aligning with his environment and emotional needs.

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Firstly, the boy may be using marijuana as a means of escapism from the stress and hardships associated with living in urban poverty. Children in impoverished environments often face numerous stressors, including economic instability, inadequate housing, limited access to resources, and exposure to violence or crime (Briere et al., 2015). Such stressors can lead to emotional distress, anxiety, and feelings of helplessness. Marijuana use might serve as a way for him to temporarily numb these overwhelming feelings, providing a false sense of relief or escape from his difficult circumstances. This motivation aligns with findings that adolescents in stressful environments may turn to substances to cope with their emotional pain (Skeer et al., 2018). Moreover, the absence of positive outlets or recreational activities may make substances appear as accessible and immediate coping mechanisms.

Secondly, peer influence and social acceptance could play a critical role in his marijuana use. Adolescents are highly susceptible to peer pressure, especially in environments where social bonds are essential for a sense of belonging. If he has encountered peers who use marijuana, he might be experimenting to fit in or gain social acceptance (Lynskey & Hall, 2000). The change in his behavior — belligerence, lack of motivation, school trouble — could be influenced by peer dynamics and a desire to be part of a social group, even if it involves risky behaviors like drug use (Windle & Windle, 2018). The type of drug—marijuana—may be chosen because it is relatively accessible, perceived as less dangerous than other illicit substances, and has a lower cost, making it appealing for impoverished youth (Johnston et al., 2021). The social context and the reasons behind his drug use thus directly influence the specific substances he might use and the patterns of consumption.

Regarding my perspective on illegal recreational drug use, I believe it poses significant health, social, and legal risks, especially for adolescents. Illegal drugs often have unpredictable potency and purity, increasing the risk of overdose, addiction, and other health complications (National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2020). They also tend to be associated with criminal activities, contributing to societal harm and legal repercussions for users. Personally, I am against illegal recreational drug use because it endangers physical and mental health, disrupts social lives, and perpetuates cycles of poverty and criminality that affect vulnerable populations.

Concerning legal substances such as alcohol and tobacco, I recognize that their legal status is based on historical, cultural, and health considerations, yet they are also associated with significant health risks when misused (World Health Organization, 2018). I feel that legal substances still pose dangers, especially when abused, and their use among youth can lead to addiction, impaired judgment, and long-term health problems. However, because they are legal, they are regulated—sold with age restrictions and health warnings—potentially reducing some risks compared to illegal drugs. Nonetheless, abuse of legal substances can be as dangerous as illegal drug abuse, if not more so, because of their widespread availability and societal acceptance, which can downplay perceived risks (Nelson et al., 2019).

Regarding whether any valid reasons exist for recreational drug use, I believe that recreational drug use is generally unjustifiable due to its potential harms and the availability of safer alternatives for recreation and stress management. While some may argue that certain substances could have medicinal or societal benefits, recreational use primarily risks addiction, health deterioration, and impaired decision-making. Promoting awareness about these dangers and providing support for at-risk youth are essential strategies for mitigating drug-related harms in vulnerable populations (Degenhardt et al., 2017). Overall, public health policies should prioritize prevention, education, and treatment over acceptance or normalization of recreational drug use, regardless of the legal status of specific substances.

References

• Briere, J., et al. (2015). Childhood adversity, emotional distress, and substance use among urban youth. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 58, 31-40.
• Degenhardt, L., et al. (2017). The health and social effects of cannabis use. Current Opinion in Psychiatry, 30(4), 276–282.
• Johnston, L. D., et al. (2021). Monitoring the Future national survey results on drug use, 1975-2020: Overview, key findings on adolescent drug use. Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan.
• Lynskey, M., & Hall, W. (2000). The effects of adolescent cannabis use on education, health, and employment: A review. Drug and Alcohol Review, 19(4), 406-414.
• National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2020). Is marijuana safe and legal? https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/marijuana
• Skeer, M., et al. (2018). Stress and substance use among urban youth: The impact of environmental factors. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 47, 2184-2196.
• Windle, M., & Windle, R. C. (2018). Peer influences on adolescent substance use. Journal of Child & Adolescent Substance Abuse, 27(4), 233-245.
• World Health Organization. (2018). Global status report on alcohol and health 2018. WHO Press.