Teenage and young adults are exposed to alcohol and other drugs such as marijuana from a young age. This could be at school or at home. Nick and Jack were two brothers in their teens who went for a party that had alcohol and other drugs. It was a graduation party and they went to have a good night out. However, they gave into peer pressure and indulged in alcohol and other drug abuse. They made a bad decision and mixed alcohol with other drugs. Unfortunately, as a result of this toxic mix, the two brothers passed away later. Alcohol and other substance abuse are extremely harmful and DO NOT try using them. You might be putting your life in danger by doing so.

Alcohol and substance abuse is the recreational use of drugs by both teens and adults. However, teens are at a greater risk of developing addictions and other mental disorders as a result. DO NOT try taking alcohol or other drugs, they are harmful to your health and they could threaten your life.  

PREVALENCE

Alcohol and substance abuse affects millions of people around the world. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 2.5 million people worldwide die as a result of alcohol and drug use. The same report went ahead to show that 15 million people worldwide are addicted to drugs and alcohol. Alcohol affects both men and women from all races and walks of life. Alcohol, designer drugs which appear ‘cool’ and prescribed drugs are a danger especially to teens and young adults in the world today.

By 12th grade, two-thirds of teens in schools have already tried alcohol. By the time students get to senior years in high school, approximately 70% will have tried alcohol. In addition, about 40% of the will have abused an illegal drug and another 40% will have puffed a cigarette or two. Teens and young adults in schools are at great risk of developing a disorder from abuse of these drugs. This is because of the high level of exposure and peer pressure in schools today. Statistics show that addictions of both alcohol and other drugs start in young adulthood and adolescence.

CAUSES

There are many causes of alcohol and substance abuse among teenagers. First, the environment in which a teenager could cause drug and alcohol abuse. The beliefs, attitudes, and exposure a child or a teen affects their judgment towards alcohol and substance abuse. Secondly, genetics and family history determine whether the child will use drugs. Once you start using drugs as a teen, family history and the genetical predisposition towards drugs and alcohol may make it difficult for you to stop.

Thirdly, peer pressure and social groups affect the teen’s judgment towards drugs. They will often see doing drugs and alcohol as ‘cool’ and okay to do. The desire to fit in is rampant among adolescents and teens. The fourth factor that contributes to teens indulging in alcohol and drug abuse is stress. Stress affects us all but people handle stress in different ways. Most teens will result in using drugs to numb the pain created by stressful situations. Lastly, the growth period of indolence has a minor role to play. Young people are always looking for an adventure and something new to do. Unfortunately landing their hands on drugs and alcohol is one of them. However, doing so has grave consequences on your health and could pose a great threat to your life.

WARNING SIGNS

There are plenty of warning signs that should indicate a lack of control when around alcohol and other drugs. Firstly, your school grades will drop massively. Most teens who participate in alcohol and other drug abuse will fail in school. This you will not have time for studying and completing your assignments. In addition, it will be extremely hard to pay attention in class.

Secondly, you will have problems relating to your family and friends. The abuse of alcohol and other substances will put a strain on your relationship with your family and friends. Thirdly, people indulging in abuse of alcohol and other substances show risky behavior. Like Nick and his brother James, they mixed alcohol and other drugs which is extremely risky as the chemical reaction between the two substances proved fatal. Other risky behavior involved having risky sexual behavior and sharing contaminated equipment.

The fourth warning sign displayed is the inability to go for periods without taking alcohol or drugs. The urge to take alcohol and other substances will only increase with the increase in the use of these substances. You will only use large amounts of the drug every time you indulge. Other warning signs include having money problems, changes in behavior and health issues such as loss of weight or frequent illness.

TREATMENT

First, a teen will have to be diagnosed to evaluate the severity of the addiction towards drugs and alcohol. This is done to identify an underlying disorder as well. It could be done by a psychiatrist, or a licensed alcohol and drug counselor. Some tests involving blood and urine or might be done to assess drug use, but they do not test for addiction.

After diagnosis, depending on the severity of alcohol and other drugs on the body, therapy, detoxification and medication will be prescribed. Therapy involves sessions with a qualified physician to rewire the brain and reduce the urge to use drugs. This involves open group and family sessions. Detoxification or simply detox will stop you from using drugs and alcohol again as quickly and safely as possible. The last form of treatment involves medication. Medication is used in alleviating the withdrawal symptoms of the addiction created by using alcohol and other drugs such as cocaine and heroin. They involve antidepressants and painkillers.

WHERE TO SEEK HELP IN NZ

‘Nau Mai’, you have come to the right place. You might feel embarrassed or ashamed because of using such drugs. However, our professionals are not looking to shame or judge you. They want to help you. They are here because of you. Help is one phone call away. Call 0800 787 797 an open line running 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You will speak to a caring trained counselor. If you prefer texting, get help by texting 8681 and they’ll text you back or live chat at www.alcoholdrughelp.org.nz.