Drug Abuse And Youths ✓ Solved

Drug Abuse and Youths

Drug use among young minority group members has been linked to factors such as racial prejudice, low self-esteem, poor socioeconomic status, and the stress of living in a harsh urban environment. Peer pressure is a significant reason why teenagers start taking drugs. Adolescent drug abuse is highly correlated with the behavior of best friends, especially when parental supervision is weak. Their friendship with other drug-dependent youths provides them social support for their habits. The peer network is the most significant influence on long-term substance abuse.

Shared feelings and a sense of intimacy lead youths to become enmeshed in what is described as a drug-use subculture. Another explanation for drug use in teenagers is poor family life. Many of these children grow up in unhappy circumstances, including harsh punishment and parental neglect. It is also common to find drug abusers in large families where parents are divorced, separated, or absent. Other family factors associated with teen drug abuse include parental conflict over child-rearing practices, failure to set rules, and unrealistic demands followed by harsh punishment. Youths may choose to get high as a way to relax, improve their creativity, and escape reality. Research indicates that adolescents believe getting high will increase their sexual performance and facilitate their social behavior; consequently, they care little about negative consequences. Overall, the main reasons why teenagers use drugs include low parental attachment, rejection, peer pressure, and some children rationally choose to pursue the perceived benefits of drug use.

Individually, I have not experienced life with drug abusers. However, I agree with the author and the reasons presented in the book; these seem to be the common motivations for why teenagers turn to drugs.

Three primary reasons youths take drugs are peer pressure, family factors, and emotional problems. When a youth associates with a friend who takes drugs, they are highly likely to also engage in drug use. This likelihood is exacerbated when parents are not available to guide their children. Peer pressure is one of the main causes of drug abuse among youths. The relationship among youth is reciprocal, meaning that to reciprocate with a friend, a youth may feel compelled to engage in drug abuse as a show of loyalty (Siegel & Welsh, 2017).

Poor family life, characterized by weak parental supervision or the absence of parents, often leads youths into drug abuse, aligning with the "family factors" explanation. Such circumstances may also indicate that a youth has experienced a challenging childhood. Parental neglect serves as a critical factor that can lead youths down the path of drug abuse. Parents who engage in alcohol and drug abuse in the presence of their children may foster a belief that such behaviors are normal, increasing the likelihood of their children becoming drug abusers (Siegel & Welsh, 2017).

Additionally, some youths deal with emotional instability through drug use. These individuals may perceive drug use as a method of maintaining stability and self-expression. Drugs can provide a false sense of courage and security. Youths using drugs to meet unconscious emotional needs often exhibit antisocial behaviors when not under the influence. While the reasons for drug use are numerous, including the availability of drugs in certain neighborhoods and genetic predispositions (e.g., children of alcoholics may engage in similar behaviors), further research is essential to uncover additional motivations behind youth drug use.

A personal example supporting the author's reasons is reflected in the story of a former neighbor who dropped out of school after succumbing to peer pressure and drug use, ultimately leading to his arrest. This demonstrates the compelling influence of peer relationships on drug abuse.

Paper For Above Instructions

Drug abuse among youths is a pervasive problem that affects communities worldwide. Understanding the various factors that contribute to this issue is crucial for developing effective interventions and support systems. This paper will examine the primary reasons youths engage in drug use, including peer pressure, family dynamics, emotional challenges, and the broader sociocultural context.

Peer Pressure

Peer pressure is one of the most significant factors that drive youths to experiment with drugs. Adolescents often seek acceptance and belonging within their social groups. As a result, when they associate with friends who use drugs, they may feel obligated to participate to maintain their friendships and gain social approval. This reciprocal relationship is critical; adolescents often mimic the behaviors of those they consider friends, which can lead to a normalization of drug use within their peer groups (Siegel & Welsh, 2017).

The influence of peer pressure on drug use is compounded in environments where drug use is prevalent. Neighborhoods characterized by high drug availability foster a culture where drug use is normalized, making it more challenging for youths to abstain from trying drugs. According to research, adolescents who perceive drug use as a common activity among their peers are more likely to participate, regardless of their initial intentions (Hawkins et al., 1992).

Family Factors

Family dynamics play a crucial role in shaping a youth's likelihood of engaging in drug use. Research has shown that adolescents raised in unstable family environments, characterized by neglect, harsh parenting, or parental substance abuse, are at a significantly higher risk of substance use (Siegel & Welsh, 2017). When parents fail to provide guidance and support, it can lead to feelings of abandonment or insecurity, prompting youths to seek solace in drugs.

Moreover, parent-child relationships significantly impact an adolescent's self-esteem and decision-making abilities. A lack of attachment or communication within the family unit can further exacerbate feelings of isolation and lead to drug use as a coping mechanism. Youths from chaotic family backgrounds may view drug use as a means to escape their reality, suppress their negative emotions, or even emulate their parents' behaviors if they observe substance use in their home (Barnow et al., 2002).

Emotional Problems

Emotional issues and mental health challenges are also significant contributors to drug use among youths. Adolescents who struggle with depression, anxiety, or other emotional difficulties may resort to substance use as a form of self-medication. The temporary relief that drugs provide can create a cycle of dependence, wherein the youth feels unable to cope with their emotional challenges without the aid of substances (Kelley et al., 2018).

Furthermore, youths often gravitate towards drugs as a way to attain emotional stability. Many report using drugs to feel more socially comfortable or to overcome feelings of insecurity in social settings. This can be particularly true in cases where peer interactions are fraught with pressure. Youths might incorrectly believe that using drugs will enhance their social interactions, leading to a cycle where they believe they cannot participate in social settings without the aid of substances (Siegel & Welsh, 2017).

Sociocultural Influences

The broader sociocultural context also plays a substantial role in youth drug abuse. Racial and economic disparities can produce environments that expose youths to higher risks of substance use. Economic hardship, racial discrimination, and limited access to resources often exacerbate feelings of hopelessness and frustration, pushing youths toward drug use as a means of escape (Cohen & Farley, 2008).

Societal attitudes toward drug use can further influence adolescents’ behaviors. In communities where drug use is either glamorized or stigmatized, the prevailing attitudes can shape individuals' choices. For instance, youths may perceive drug use as an act of rebellion in environments where it is frowned upon, while they may view it as an expected norm in communities where substance use is widespread.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the complexities surrounding youth drug abuse stem from a combination of peer pressure, family dynamics, emotional challenges, and socio-cultural influences. To effectively address this pervasive issue, a multifaceted approach is necessary, incorporating educational programs, community support systems, and parental engagement initiatives. By fostering strong relationships and open communication within families and among peer groups, it may be possible to mitigate the factors leading to youth drug abuse and promote healthier lifestyles.

References

• Barnow, S., Lucht, M., & Freyberger, H. J. (2002). The role of parental problematic drug use in the intergenerational transmission of risk for substance use. Journal of Child and Adolescent Substance Abuse, 11(2), 1-18.
• Cohen, A. J., & Farley, R. (2008). Racial and ethnic disparities in youth drug abuse: Findings and implications. Journal of Drug Issues, 38(1), 145-168.
• Hawkins, J. D., Catalano, R. F., & Miller, J. Y. (1992). Risk and protective factors for alcohol and other drug problems in adolescence and early adulthood: Implications for substance abuse prevention. Psychological Bulletin, 112(1), 64-105.
• Kelley, J. R., & Welsch, D. (2018). The relationships among social anxiety, self-esteem, and drug abuse in adolescents. Substance Use & Misuse, 53(7), 1202-1208.
• Siegel, L. J., & Welsh, B. L. (2017). Juvenile Delinquency: Theory, Practice, and Law. Cengage Learning.