Adolescence contemporary issues and resources

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Adolescence: Contemporary Issues and Resources
Dayana Gonzalez Palenzuela
Grand Canyon University
March 23, 2022
Adolescence: Contemporary Issues and Resources
Introduction
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Teenage years are a complex and formative part of life. All teens go through
hormonal and physical changes as they change into adults. However, not all teens are the
same. Some children can withstand the changes and some are overwhelmed when they do not
get role models to help them cope with the stress associated with teenage years. During these
years, teens transform into adolescents and they start becoming independent. They start
having more say, especially in matters of family. Moreover, their behavior starts to change
and they act as if they want to control whatever is around them. For instance, they will begin
airing their opinions on the type of clothes and foods they like. In the teenage years, many
contemporary issues occur when adolescents cannot open up and seek help from parents or
guardians. Examples of such problems include adolescent pregnancy, depression, peer
pressure and substance abuse. This paper discusses substance abuse as a contemporary issue
among adolescents.
Substance Abuse
Substance abuse has become a big problem among many adolescents of today. Many
children are getting addicted to various drugs such as alcohol, cocaine, marijuana and tobacco
at a younger age. Addiction cause both physical and behavioral changes among teens and
some of those changes are dangerous to their health (Williams & Lundahl, 2019).
Furthermore, it causes them to indulge in immoral activities such as stealing or robbery with
violence. Addicted adolescents can start robbing other people when they lack money for
drugs. Similarly, they can involve themselves in dangerous behaviors that can cause harm to
others or themselves. The causes of substance abuse among adolescents are many. One of the
causes is peer pressure. In the teenage years, children begin to deal with issues of body image
that might also affect their self-esteem. When they feel unwanted in certain groups, they can
do anything to fit in. they can even start abusing and selling drugs to be accepted by their
peers (Williams & Lundahl, 2019). Another cause is stress. Teens undergo a lot of pressure at
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school and home because their parents want them to score good grades. Those unable to
handle the pressure can resolve using drugs to calm them.
Assessment of Substance Abuse
Substance abuse is dangerous to adolescents because it can cause many
complications. For instance, smoking can cause liver diseases, and alcohol abuse causes
damage to the brain cells. Moreover, it can cause premature deaths among teens. Therefore, it
is crucial to assess substance abuse among adolescents to help prevent addiction and adverse
consequences. There are steps an assessor must follow when evaluating substance abuse
among teens. First, you need to determine the type of drug the teenager is abusing. The
second step is to identify the root cause. Moreover, you have to establish the effects of the
drugs on individuals. Different substances have varying effects on individuals (Curry et al.,
2018). And lastly, you have to assess why individuals prefer using particular substances.
Assessing for substance abuse among adolescents is a sensitive issue because most teens will
not open up. However, an assessor should be honest with them and assure them of
confidentiality for the information they offer. Therefore, an investigator must not discuss
some findings against the teens’ will with parents or guardians.
Support Options for Adolescents Struggling with Substance Abuse
Support options for teens who abuse drugs include rehabilitation facilities. Teens can
undergo behavioral therapies in such institutions. Substance abuse can result from
psychological problems that most teens suffer from (Chadi, Bagley & Hadland, 2018).
Examples of the issues include anxiety and depression. Another option is family support.
Families should have open discussions to help their children air their problems and find good
ways to support them.
Conclusion
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Teenagers need support from their parents and guardians when they transform into
adulthood. Parents should be close to their children to identify any changes in their behaviors.
Moreover, they should assess any form of substance abuse among adolescents to help prevent
addiction. Substance abuse among teenagers has become a common problem worldwide that
we should never underestimate. There are many support options for addicted teenagers.
Therefore, all those kids struggling with substance abuse should open up and seek support.
References
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Chadi, N., Bagley, S. M., & Hadland, S. E. (2018). Addressing adolescents’ and young adults’
substance use disorders. Medical Clinics, 102(4), 603-620.
Curry, S. J et al. (2018). Screening and behavioral counseling interventions to reduce
unhealthy alcohol use in adolescents and adults: US Preventive Services Task Force
recommendation statement. Jama, 320(18), 1899-1909.
Williams, J. F., & Lundahl, L. H. (2019). Focus on adolescent use of club drugs and “other”
substances. Pediatric Clinics, 66(6), 1121-1134.
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