Impacts of substance misuse among young people
Impacts of substance misuse among young people
By Abbah christy
Young individuals who habitually misuse substances frequently face a range of issues, such as difficulties in academics, health-related challenges (including mental health), strained peer relationships, and interactions with the juvenile justice system. Furthermore, there are repercussions for family members, the community, and society as a whole.
Academics
Deteriorating academic performance, frequent school absences, and an increased likelihood of dropping out are challenges linked to substance abuse in adolescents. Research by Hawkins, Catalano, and Miller (1992) suggests that a lack of commitment to education and higher rates of truancy are associated with adolescent substance use.
Physical well-being
Accidents (like car crashes), physical impairments, illnesses, and potential overdose consequences are some of the health issues linked to substance abuse among teenagers. A higher number of young people who engage with alcohol and other drugs are at an elevated risk of dying from suicide, homicide, accidents, and health problems.
Mental well-being
issues like depression, developmental delays, lack of motivation, social withdrawal, and various psychosocial dysfunctions are often associated with substance abuse in adolescents. Young people who abuse substances are more likely to experience mental health challenges than those who do not, including depression, behavioral issues, personality disorders, suicidal thoughts, attempts at suicide, and actual suicide.
Peers
Youth who abuse substances frequently feel isolated and face stigma from their peers. Adolescents who engage in alcohol and drug use often withdraw from school and community activities, preventing their peers and communities from benefiting from the positive impacts they could have provided.
Families
Alongside individual challenges, the consumption of alcohol and other drugs by young people can lead to family turmoil and threaten various dimensions of family existence, occasionally resulting in dysfunctional family dynamics. Both siblings and parents are significantly impacted by youths involved with drugs and alcohol (Nowinski, 1990). Substance abuse can exhaust a family’s financial and emotional resources (Bureau of Justice Statistics, 1992).
