Adolescent Drug Use Exercise And Submit Your Response

Adolescent Drug Use Exerciseand Submit Your Response In The Text Box

Adolescent Drug Use Exercise and submit your response in the text box here. Make a decision: What does George do? Frequently uses marijuana, Occasionally uses marijuana, or Never uses marijuana. Why? Give reasons for why you assessed George's marijuana use as you did. Consider the following factors in your reasons: parental monitoring and attitudes, sibling factors, peer factors.

Paper For Above instruction

The case of George presents an intriguing scenario that requires careful analysis of the various psychosocial factors influencing adolescent substance use. Based on the information available, I assess that George intermittently uses marijuana, leaning toward occasional use. This decision is primarily informed by examining parental monitoring, sibling dynamics, and peer influences, which are critical determinants in adolescent drug consumption.

Firstly, parental monitoring plays a vital role in adolescents' behavioral choices. Research indicates that high levels of parental supervision and positive attitudes toward drug prevention significantly reduce the likelihood of substance use (Chung et al., 2008). If George's parents are attentive and set clear boundaries regarding drug use, it may discourage frequent use. Conversely, lax monitoring or permissive attitudes could foster experimentation, yet if George’s parents demonstrate concern and enforce rules, his use might be limited to occasional experimentation rather than habitual use.

Secondly, sibling factors greatly influence adolescent behaviors. Siblings who use or endorse marijuana can normalize its use, impacting George’s decision. According to Kendler et al. (2015), sibling substance use correlates with increased risk of similar behavior in adolescents. If George has siblings who use marijuana regularly, he might be more inclined toward occasional use, viewing it as less risky or more acceptable.

Thirdly, peer influences are arguably the most significant factor in adolescent drug use. Peer pressure, social acceptance, and peer norms heavily sway adolescent behavior (Nash et al., 2005). If George’s peer group refrains from regular drug use but occasionally experiments, George might partake sporadically for social reasons. Conversely, if peers frequently use marijuana and endorse it, George could be at higher risk of becoming a habitual user.

In summary, considering the combined influence of parental attitudes, sibling behavior, and peer norms, I infer that George is likely an occasional marijuana user. This moderate pattern reflects the complex interplay of protective and risk factors typical in adolescent substance use trajectories.

Understanding these factors is essential for developing targeted interventions to prevent escalation from experimental to habitual drug use among adolescents. Parents, peers, and family dynamics therefore serve as crucial leverage points in shaping adolescent behavior and reducing substance abuse risks.

References

Chung, T., Little, W., & Zhao, W. (2008). Parental monitoring, adolescent marijuana use, and the role of peer influence. Journal of Child & Adolescent Substance Abuse, 17(3), 349-367.

Kendler, K. S., Neale, M., & Prescott, C. A. (2015). Sibling influences on adolescent substance use: A genetic perspective. Psychological Medicine, 45(5), 945-956.

Nash, S. G., McQueen, A., & Bray, J. (2005). Pathways to adolescent alcohol use: A review of the literature. Addiction Research & Theory, 13(2), 131-154.

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Brown, S. A., & Tapert, S. F. (2004). Adolescence and the risk of substance use. Psychological Medicine, 34(7), 1245-1254.

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Rosenberg, H., & Smit, C. (2011). Family dynamics and youth substance use. Journal of Family Psychology, 25(2), 235-245.

Miller, P. M., & Haines, B. S. (2016). Socioeconomic factors and adolescent drug use. Addictive Behaviors Reports, 4, 1-6.