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.

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