Writers: Michelle Tran & Aamna Raza
Editor: Isabella Io
Adolescent development is a prime time for teenagers to explore and experience new things [1]. This means pre-teenagers will begin to mature and adapt to certain “adult” behaviors depending on their exposure. Commonly, the behavior of substance use may be picked up by teenagers depending on their exposure and accessibility.
The adolescence period is a time frame when teenagers are discovering themselves, and this often comes with mental health struggles surrounding their identity [1]. Teenagers love trying new things and exploring the world further as they grow up. With age comes more freedom, and it is natural to be curious about what the world has to offer. However, adolescence is also the most vulnerable stage in life due to the physical and emotional changes a teen goes through. Adolescents are more exposed to situations that include violence and hate which can cause further development of an adolescent’s personality [2].
Peer Pressure
The young generation is often unaware of the dangers of the world while relying on others to lead them through life. According to The National Council, 21% of teens have used an illicit drug at least once due to peer pressure [3]. The early use of drugs has been shown to cause changes in the development of the brain and a lower likelihood of quitting.
Social Media
The need to impress others and meet their standards is all around us these days, and especially with the increasing popularity of social media, it often seems like we as a society need to fit into the standards we see online. Research has found that social media normalizes risk-taking behavior, often being portrayed by older users including violence, alcohol, and drug use to younger users [4].
Effects of Substance Abuse
Substance abuse leaves a significant impact on mental health, whether it be short-term or long-term, and the relationship between substance use and mental health is complex and it can both influence and intensify the other.
The alarming immediate effects of substance abuse on mental health can alter mood perception and behavior. For instance, many substances can cause sudden and severe mood changes which can lead to aggression, irritability, or short-lived euphoria that can be followed by a depressive mood [5], which can affect a teen’s daily routine, whether it be in the home or at school as well as their interactions with others around them. Excessive use of nicotine, which is a substance commonly used among teens, can trigger or worsen anxiety [6], which can lead to panic attacks [7], not to mention the paranoia and hallucinations that come from drugs such as marijuana [8], leading to a distorted sense of reality which can evoke frightening and disorienting feelings [9].
While the immediate effects are more commonly known, there’s less awareness of the long-term impacts of substance abuse. The longer a teen engages in substance abuse, the higher the chance there is that they will be led to, depression, anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) [10], as well as, cognitive impairment which consists of the weakening of cognitive functions such as memory, attention and decision-making, all of which are crucial during the developmental years of adolescence, but can be weakened through the use of substances such as marijuana and alcohol [11].
Warning Signs & Symptoms
Identifying the early signs of substance abuse in teens is important as you can offer support and care. But it’s important to approach this topic with sensitivity, recognizing that these signs are often cries for help rather than mistakenly considered as mere behavioral issues. Behavioral signs can be subtle but can indicate other issues, such as a teen’s shift in friendships, especially with those who might encourage risky behaviors, a decline in academic performance, or a drift from family, is worth paying attention to [12]. Furthermore, subtle changes in appearance such as bloodshot eyes, dilated pupils, or a sudden weight shift can indicate that something is going on and may be a physical response to the substances they are possibly using [13]. It’s also important to notice the scent of substances on a teen’s clothes or in their room, which can be a sign that they’re experimenting or using substances regularly [13], but it’s important to approach this with care and without judgment. Recognizing these signs, physical and behavioral, with empathy is important, specifically approaching teens with understanding and support in efforts to create a safe space for them to share what they’re going through. Intervention can make a significant difference in helping them find the resources and guidance that they need.
Author Experiences
Michelle:
In my younger days, many of the people I knew in my elementary grade would say “I/We would never smoke or drink alcohol, who does that anyways.” Back then, substances weren’t as accessible and were limited due to the ban on cannabis in Ontario.
When I reached high school, I realized that our minds were no longer disgusted by the ideas of substance abuse. I remember the first time I heard of people in my school using drugs, I was shocked because we were still pretty young, but I did not think its popularity would have risen as much as it did now.
Up until 2018, Ontario had legalized cannabis, making it a lot easier to obtain, even at a young age. As the years went by, I realized some of the people I grew up with were using different substances. Even the people who I thought were clean, had at least attempted once. It seemed to me that peer pressure was a leading factor that was playing in a lot of these cases of substance abuse. Additionally, the pandemic caused millions of people to see a decline in mental health, with teens being highly impacted by the isolation.
I then realized that the use of drugs to get high allowed these people to feel a haven, to help them cope, and to assist them through their everyday lives. This was normal for them, and a way they could escape all their problems in reality.
Aamna:
During my high school years, I noticed a subtle, yet increasing trend of substance use among my peers in school. The pressure of fitting in, along with the stress of academic expectations, often led to experimentation with substances.
I remember overhearing a conversation in the halls about people struggling with substance abuse. They described how it began as a coping mechanism to cope with the stress of tests and homework as well as to cope with their home life. However, what started as occasional use quickly spiraled into dependency, affecting their mental health and overall well-being.
Seeing how their moods had shifted throughout the school year made me realize the detrimental impact substance abuse can have on a teen’s life. This makes us understand the importance of addressing this issue since, just as Michelle observed, the need for a safe haven and an escape from reality often drives teens toward substance abuse. But, it’s important to ask ourselves, how does substance abuse lead to lasting and deep impacts on mental health?
Conclusion
As teens, it is important to be aware of the people around us. As they say, “We are who we hang out with". Substance abuse is dangerous as a whole, but at a young age, it may cause irreversible damage physically and mentally. It is significant to understand ways to prevent substance abuse and promote a healthy environment in our society. It is saddening to know not all adolescents have access to development in a healthy and safe environment, but every day let us remind ourselves that we can help those struggling. If someone you know is suffering from substance abuse, reach out to a help service in your area, or in case of an emergency, call 9-1-1.
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