CAUSES AND CONSEQUENCES OF DRUG ABUSE AMONG ADOLESCENTS

Abstract

Drugs are commonly defined as chemical substances capable of altering the physical and psychological functions of the body. Drugs are also seen as any chemical substance that alters mood perception to the apparent detriment of the society. Adolescents are especially vulnerable to drug abuse because of stress and problems, some of which according to psychologists include need for love and acceptance, self identity and peer influence. Availability of drugs, family history of substance abuse, low self esteem, lack of parental involvement/supervision, are other factors that predispose teenagers to drug abuse. Adolescents are also disposed to drug abuse as a result of stress and work, family problems, and lack of self control in eating habit especially when poverty and ignorance can also lead adolescents to self medication and consequently drug abuse. The commonly abused drugs include hallucinogens, opiates and analgesics, inhalants, alcohol, benzodiazepines, harbiturates; stimulants and cannabis. Adolescents who abuse drugs experience lots of problems in life like academic difficulties, health problems, poor peer relationships, depression, delinquent behaviour and criminal activities. It is therefore recommended that drug free clubs should be established in secondary schools to dissuade adolescents from irresponsible behaviours. Parents should be enlightened
through seminars and workshops on the evils of drug abuse. Those adolescents who decide to be heady and recalcitrant should be sent to the reformatory for at least six months so as to be reformed.