Alcohol Addiction and Drug Abuse in Adolescents

Parents swear, and children suffer 2

Dr. Purushothaman
November 28, 2013

A growing number of teenagers drink alcohol or consume other toxic substances, although this is illegal and dangerous. Some adolescent try alcohol or toxic substances occasionally, but even this behavior can be considered dangerous because it can lead to addiction and its side issues (illegal consequences, poor school performance, loss of friends, social isolation environment and family problems).

Drug use can cause serious brain disorders and developmental disorders and behavior. Teens that are using drugs often have some difficulty in establishing their identity and interpersonal relationships (including family), and in acquiring a normal physical and mental self. Toxic substance abuse can also affect adolescents' cognitive abilities (learning) that lower school performance. By far, the most dangerous side effect of occasional drug use is the occurrence of dependence which consequently leads to chronic abuse of such substances.

Risk factors for drug addiction

There are various personal, familiar or social factors that are growing in one way or another toxic substance use risk. In such cases, the use of toxins leads to addiction and chronic abuse.

Personal risk factors

These include:
• Genetic factors. People with toxic substance abuse often have a family history of use and abuse. There are various medical studies show that there are different factors predisposing genetic order in combination with environmental factors can lead to abuse of certain toxic substances.
• Type of personality and temperament. Teens with rebellious behavior, resisting parental authority, which shows the feelings of guilt or failure, have a special predisposition to use toxic substances. Looking for thrills or tend to perform different activities potentially dangerous, can also increase appetite for such abuses.
• Various diseases. Adolescents with various mental disorders, as hyperactivity associated with attention deficit, conduct disorders, chronic depression, repression (hiding certain feelings), posttraumatic stress syndrome, depression or anxiety disorders, are predisposed to toxic substance use. Consumption of these toxic also may worsen these conditions.
• Temptation specific of this age is another factor that predisposes to toxic consumption. Teenagers are often curious about sensations or toxic effects that these have on their person. Entourage and incorrect information from the media stimulate curiosity to try out these substances.
• Young age at first use. Tobacco and alcohol use at a young age greatly increases the risk of abuse and addiction. A medical study showed that teens who consume alcohol for the first time at age 14 have a 4.5 times higher risk for developing alcohol addiction, compared to those who drink alcohol for the first time at age of 19 years.

Social risk factors

These include:
• Access to different substances. Relatively easy purchase of cigarettes, alcohol, drug free traffic, inappropriate entourage and not least the increased tolerance of the community, those are contributing to the development of toxic abuse and addiction in adolescents. Keeping alcohol and cigarettes in the house has the same negative effect on teens tempted to try such substances.
• Inappropriate entourage is a very important risk factor in the development of abuse and dependence in adolescents, because the group is the ideal environment to experience these toxic substances (especially marijuana, alcohol, hallucinogenic drugs)
• Media advertising of alcohol, cigarettes or drugs. The mentality among teenagers that use toxins is fashionable and increase popularity, success and sex appeal.

Signs and Symptoms

It is sometimes difficult for parents or members of his entourage, to identify a problem with toxic substances consumption among adolescents. Some parents are suspecting a possible drug use for their children showing abnormal behavior (negativity, denial, isolation), although this behavior can be considered normal at this age.

It is quite difficult to identify a possible abuse of drugs and is not recommended an extreme behavior from worried parents. Experts recommend that when they suspected a possible toxic substance abuse among adolescents, to observe carefully certain characteristic behavioral changes (behavioral changes, changing in the look, attitude toward loved ones, etc.).

Signs of drug and alcohol abuse:

• Low attention to physical appearance and clothing, and inadequate sanitation
• Loss of appetite and unexplained weight loss
• Conjunctival hyperemia (red eyes), and frequent inappropriate use of eye drops and oral air fresheners (chewing gum, candy mints)
• Absenteeism and poor academic performance
• Loss of interest in certain school activities or extracurricular sports or other hobbies
• Behavior that betrays an attempt to hide a secret
• Removal of family members and friends
• New friends and acquaintances who are not known for the family
• Behavior characterized by lying and theft
• Contemptuous behavior towards family and friends
• Hostility, violence
• Disinterest and lack of future plans.

Calivita herbal supplements helpful in drug addiction

- Rhodiola rosea is an herb with adaptogenic effect and a valuable ally against stress. Rhodiolin raise levels of serotonin and dopamine in people who are experiencing stress and reduce the effects of harmful hormones. It also shows the protective action of the body against harmful substances and protects the liver against toxic substances.

- Vitamin C 1000 provides an extended release and a slow absorption in the body, providing the daily needs for optimum health. Alcohol, drugs and other harmful substances use dramatically decrease the level of vitamin C thus requiring a much larger intake than normal.

- Noni Liquid reduces the adverse effects of tobacco products, alcohol or drugs and is beneficial in the fight against addiction.

- Yucca extract naturally stimulates the body detoxification processes, thus Pure Yucca helping to eliminate toxic substances, a necessary process in the fight against addiction. Detox Patch shows the same detoxifying effect.

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