Harm of Drug Abuse on Adolescent Development

The Harm of Drug Abuse on Adolescent Development Brad Taggart Salt Lake Community College

Submitted as partial fulfillment for PSY 1100 Fall 2013

ADOLECENT DRUG ABUSE

The Harm of Drug Abuse on Adolescent Development

Introduction: The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University published a national study in 2011 that said 90 percent of Americans who meet the medical criteria for addiction started smoking, drinking, or using drugs before age 18. Drug addiction is a brain disease. Although initial drug use might be voluntary, drugs of abuse have been shown to alter gene expression and brain circuitry, which in turn affect human behavior. (NIDA) For this research I wanted to find out what the harms of drug abuse are when abuse begins in the adolescent stages of development. I also wanted to know what parts of development are affected most. During my research I found that several key areas of development can be effected by drug abuse. Focusing on a human development theme I looked closely at neurological, emotional and social effects that abuse can have on not only the adolescent stage but throughout life. Assessment Summary Adolescence is a critical time in neurodevelopment. Drugs such as alcohol and marijuana are used commonly (NCBI). Abnormalities have been seen in brain structure volume, white matter quality, and activation to cognitive tasks. (NCBI) Adolescence is a time of rapid development and a time when the brain may be more resilient and abuse during this time period can interrupt the natural course of brain maturation and key processes of brain development. (NCBI)

ADOLECENT DRUG ABUSE

Drug abuse not only has several physical consequences, but can have social and emotional development consequences as well. In regards to academic attainment and social/emotional development, high school students (grades 9-12) who abuse drugs and alcohol are more likely to seriously consider suicide, become involved in a physical fight, carry a weapon and drive while drinking alcohol. (Stephens) Drug abuse during adolescence is proven to lead to more addiction because the brain is continuing to develop during this time. While addiction is often times hard enough to deal with other factors come into play. Drug use and abuse can lead to a future of struggles. Substance use and/or abuse can lead to involvement in the criminal justice system, unemployment, and mental health issues, said Candance M. Morley, registered clinical intern and Miami Northwestern High School social worker. (Stephens)

Conclusion I wanted to focus on drug abuse in adolescence because it is something that has affected me personally. The brain is so fragile especially during the early stages of development and adolescence is no different. Too often we hear of kids falling into drugs, sex, and other forms of addictive patterns at such a young age only to see if effect their whole lives. After doing this research I believe that we need to be more proactive in protecting the youth. In conclusion, there is hope for those who have fallen victim to early drug abuse. Because the brain is still developing recovery is more likely. It requires a lot of effort on not only the addicted or abuser but those close to him or her. Educating on the consequences of abuse along with support from parents and counselors can have a life long positive effect.

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References

Squeglia, L. M. . Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2827693/ (Squeglia)

Stephens, J. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://students.com.miami.edu/netreporting/?page_id=2264 (Stephens)

NIDA. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.drugabuse.gov/relatedtopics/medical-consequences-drug-abuse (NIDA)