Essay About Substance Abuse And Health-Related Consequences

Drugs and Alcohol
Essay Preview: Drugs and Alcohol
Report this essay
Drugs and alcohol
Crtiminal Justice
Teacher
April 19, 2017
Drugs and Alcohol
When young people engage in alcohol and other drug use, they, their families, and their communities usually suffer. In some cases, because of the strong association between substance abuse and delinquency, an increased burden is also placed on the juvenile justice system. Persistent substance abuse among youth is often accompanied by an array of problems, including academic difficulties, health-related consequences, poor peer relationships, mental health issues, and involvement with the juvenile justice system. Kids who tend to use drugs don’t really care about school in general. Declining grades, absente from school and other activities, and increased potential for dropping out of school are problems associated with adolescent substance abuse. Physical health such as injuries due to accidents (such as car accidents), physical disabilities and diseases, and the effects of possible overdoses are among the health-related consequences of teenage substance abuse. Large numbers of youth involved with alcohol and other drugs face an increased risk of death through suicide, homicide, accident, and illness. Mental health problems such as depression, developmental lags, concern, withdrawal, and other psychosocial dysfunctions frequently are linked to substance abuse among adolescents. Substance-abusing youth are at higher risk than nonusers for mental health problems, including depression, conduct problems, personality disorders, suicidal thoughts, attempted suicide, and suicide. Marijuana use, which is common among youth, has been shown to interfere with short-term memory, learning. Substance-abusing youth often are isolated from and label by their peers.