Alcohol abuse/ Adolescence: Problems and Causes of drug

Adolescence is ‘a period’ and ‘a process’ during which a child becomes mature in terms of his/her attitudes and beliefs for effective participation in society.

Adolescence is a bridge linking childhood and adulthood (period of 12-18 years of age). It is very vulnerable phase of mental and psychological development.

Causes of drug/alcohol use in

Adolescence period

• Curiosity and Experimentation.
• Need for adventure and excitement.
• To escape facing problems.
• Stress from pressure to excel in academics or examination.
• Television, movies, news papers, internet etc.
• Unstable or unsupportive family structures & peer pressure.

Effects of Drug/alcohol abuse

• Reckless behavior, vandalism and violence.
• Coma and death due to respiratory failure, heart failure or cerebral hemorrhage.
• Drugs+ alcohol= Death.
• Drop in academic performance and absence from school.
• Lack of interest in personal hygiene.
• Withdrawal and isolation.
• Depression, fatigue, aggressive and rebellious behavior, deteriorating relationship between family and friends.
• Loss of interest in hobbies.
• Fluctuations in sleeping, eating habits, weight, appetite etc.
• Social problems like stealing and spread of infectious diseases (e.g. AIDS, hepatitis B).
• Damage of nervous system and cirrhosis.
• Use of drugs and alcohol by pregnant woman adversely affect the foetus.
• Misuse of drugs by athletes (e.g. narcotic analgesics, anabolic steroids, diuretics & certain hormones to increase muscle strength and bulk and to promote aggressiveness).

Side effects of anabolic steroid abuse

In males:

• Acne. 
• Increased aggressiveness. 
• Mood swings & depression. 
• Reduced testicles. 
• Decreased sperm. 
• Kidney & liver dysfunction. 
• Breast enlargement. 
• Premature baldness 
• Enlargement of prostate gland. 

In females:

• Masculanisation 
• Mood swings & depression 
• Increased aggressiveness 
• Excessive hair growth 
• Abnormal menstrual cycle 
• Deepening of voice 
• Enlargement of clitoris 

In the adolescent male and female: Severe facial and body acne, premature closure of the growth centres of the long bones resulting in stunted growth.