Harmful Substance Abuse in Adolescents
H is for Harmful Substance Abuse in Adolescents for #BlogchatterA2Z. The influence of the increasing drug abuse on adolescents in India is alarming. Mental health problems, peer pressure, growing desolation and fluctuating social status are having a bad effect. This makes them inclined to substance abuse.
Studies show three significant trends hastening the acceptance of substance use among the youth. And there is the need for three vital arbitrations to slow them down instantly.
Romanticising intoxication and addictive substances
Movies these days romanticize intoxication. Kids in India emulate their idols; heroes and heroines in movies or TV. They propagate that it is cool, acceptable, and fascinating. People scorn those who refuse to yield.
Use of e-cigarettes and vaping products
E-cigarette and vaping companies claim that their products are less harmful to health. E-cigarette and vaping companies claim it helps people quit smoking and overcome nicotine addiction. Instead, e-cigarettes lead to smoking. E-cigarettes can help smokers progress to drugs in the long run. While India has executed a ban on vaping and e-cigarette devices, they are easily available on and offline.
Harmful Substance Abuse in Adolescents
Destitute kids use cheap drugs as an escape from their reality. They face all kinds of sexual, physical and mental abuse almost daily. The five most common drugs used by Indian children are marijuana, heroin, opium, alcohol, and cannabis.
Mental Health Issues
Peer pressure, isolation, and the pressure of excelling academically make kids vulnerable. Mental health problems result in an increasing inclination to experiment with addictive substances.
Teen Curiosity & Peer Pressure
The primary impulse for substance abuse could be teen curiosity or peer pressure. Especially the need to be accepted into a group. Teens tend to break away from familial ties and spend more time with friends or peers.
Nuclear Families & Urbanization
The breakup of large families into smaller, fast city growth, and societal changes are other reasons. Colleges and hostels are places where people often start using drugs.
The absence of drug abuse awareness programs in schools or out of school is a hurdle in India. India also lacks a substance abuse policy.
Children sometimes resort to using freely available explosive substances; cough syrups, pain relief ointments, glue, paint, and gasoline. Special Health centres for child substance abuse issues are rare.
To get rehab for a child under substance abuse, call ChildLine on 1098. Presently, there are Child Help Desks at 144 railway stations and 9 bus terminals across the country.
I am participating in #BlogchatterA2Z
B-Bullying-A growing concern for Adolescents
C- 10 ways to Cope with Stress for Adolescents
D-Supporting Adolescents with Depression
E-Eating Disorders in Adolescents in India
Vaping is a growing concern across all countries. Like Canada and Uk, Vapes should be yearly phased out all over the world
This is such an important topic. Thank you for sharing this. Parents are not aware of the harmful effects of substance abuse. and your post is definitely going to help