Adolescents Final

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May 11, 2024

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ADOLESCENTS 1 Addiction in Adolescents Addiction in Adolescents

ADOLESCENTS 2 The frequency among adolescents using substances is alarming and raises cause for concern. A wealth of research has recognized several reasons adolescents have turned to substance use. Unfortunately, substance usage in adolescents has alarmingly increased, causing an addiction that sometimes turns fatal. Precisely, in the United States, from 2019-2020, there was a 30% increase in drug overdoses that resulted in death. Additionally, this figure in 2021 increased by 15%, which is estimated at 108,000 deaths. Unfortunately, the statistics increased for ages 14-18 (Nath et al., 2022). Nath et al. (2022) report that overdose deaths increased rapidly to 94%. Given the increased accessibility to harmful substances, it is urgent to allocate supplementary resources to support and address this behavior. Many elements stem from this disturbing escalation. The CDC and Prevention States Unintentional Drug Overdose System Report (SUDORS) have researched trends linked to the reported substance abuse fatalities. Adolescents ages 10-19 were involved in casualties caused by illegally manufactured drugs (IMF); 90% were because of Opioids, and 35% were unintentional. This alarming trend continues to grow, especially among middle schoolers (Nath et al., 2022; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2022). Consequently, the after-effects of drug use extend beyond the initial occurrence, including but not limited to increased dropout rates, addiction, fatalities, and family discord (Manoj, 2015). Thus, there is a need to continuously highlight the severity of combatting factors contributing to drug use. The adolescent stage is a vulnerable time when individuals are exposed to many substances that influence an individual’s physical, mental, and spiritual well- being. Research has found no singular cause of motivation regarding drug use in adolescents. However, studies have shown that some causes are centered around trauma, mental health, social-emotional stability, and genetic predispositions (Manoj, 2015). Effective interventions are

ADOLESCENTS 3 paramount and should encompass innovative pre-intervention methodology. Different measures may include afterschool support groups that focus on substance abuse awareness, family therapy, and pharmacological education. The impact of drugs can disrupt adolescents’ family dynamics, internal turmoil, and cognition. Another intervention measure that is often integrated into different treatment ideation is spiritual development (Unger et al., 2020). For example, Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) groups use serenity prayer as a place of comfort. The prayer's significance is to extend comfort in the intimate moments of struggle. Unger et al. (2020) assert that spiritual development, when integrated, effectively provides a sense of community and purpose. However, this notion is dependent upon how adolescents view spirituality. Therefore, the best measures of support are to remain mindful in considering innovative measures and foundations, including meditation, therapy, and self-resilience, hence embodying the fullness of integrating spirituality. In conclusion, recognizing the alarming increase in substance access and abuse in adolescents requires a comprehensive approach that considers individual wellness, family dynamics, and spiritual integration. Applicable interventions comprise raising awareness, early intervention, and innovative measures of support altered according to the needs of the adolescent. Additionally, promoting healthy overall wellness and spiritual development may serve as consolation. Adolescents are vulnerable and can easily succumb to peer pressure, family struggles, and social barriers. Therefore, future research should focus on healthy spiritual development and inclusive preventative methods to raise awareness and early detection. Further, it includes how the entire support system of a child (school faculty, parents, and environment) can work as one to contend with the exposure and usage of drugs.

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