research proposal
Running head: LITERATURE REVIEW 1
Literature Review
Arisbel Delgado
Research Utilization
West Coast University
LITERATURE REVIEW 2
Literature Review
People's reasons for abusing substances like alcohol, narcotics, and tobacco are typically
complex and multifaceted. Our culture unquestionably contributes to the prevalence of this habit.
Everyday hospitalizations for substance-related health problems and numerous instances of drug-
related criminality are two of the most telling signs of the epidemic of substance addiction that we
are witnessing. The courts have had to make decisions in cases where drug dependence or abuse
contributes to criminal behavior. Drug misuse, in general, and particularly the abuse of certain
drugs, has far-reaching consequences for modern civilization. Adolescents are reported to be
among the highest number in the population known for substance abuse. The adolescents are
engaging much in substance abuse, and more have become dependent on the drugs affecting their
daily activities, especially their academics. The paper illustrates the literature review on substance
abuse and addiction among adolescents in the population.
Adolescents, as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO), are defined as those
between the ages of 10 and 19, while this definition can be expanded to include young adults up
to the age of 24 (Murray & Nowicki, 2020). According to Murray & Nowicki (2020), adolescence
is a time of continued development of the prefrontal cortex. The brain's prefrontal cortex is in
charge of regulating dopamine levels and exerting control over all of our faculties. The prefrontal
cortex influences focus, inhibition of impulses, memory, and cognitive flexibility. The amygdala
is a part of the prefrontal cortex that controls emotional reactions, impulses, aggressive tendencies,
and other types of automatic behavior (Raising Children Network, 2021). Adolescents are
particularly vulnerable to engaging in dangerous behaviors and activities, such as substance use,
as they negotiate this developmental period.
LITERATURE REVIEW 3
Other studies have found that predisposing variables, such as genetics or personality, play
a role in the onset of substance abuse or addiction (National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and
Alcoholism, 2020). Extreme impulsiveness and aggression, hostility toward authority, and
insensitivity to the feelings of others are all indicators of trouble. Adolescents' perspectives on
substance use can be influenced by their parents' attitudes and experiences with addiction. A child's
exposure to specific environments may also increase their risk of substance abuse. Therefore, it
encompasses the impact of both close friends and relatives. Peer pressure, socioeconomic position,
physical, mental, and sexual abuse, early drug exposure, and parental supervision (or lack thereof)
are a few of the many elements that can significantly influence an individual's propensity for
substance abuse and addiction.
The destructive impacts of drug and substance use among adolescents have made this issue
a public health and safety priority. According to Horigian et al. (2015), these destructive behaviors
are strongly linked to the onset of adulthood. This finding demonstrates that young people are
especially susceptible to substance misuse. The authors also argue that early drug experiences
contribute to a lifetime of addiction (Horigian et al., 2015). Substance abuse is a learned behavior.
When young people are exposed to conditions that make them more prone to develop an addiction,
they are more likely to adopt that behavior themselves. Dysfunctional homes and traumatic events
are two major risk factors for substance misuse in young people. Some adolescents develop a
propensity for substance misuse because their parents are also users, while others become
susceptible due to family strife. Adolescents are more prone to experiment with drugs and alcohol
if their parents do not provide them with a nurturing home environment that encourages positive
socialization. Young people can begin substance abuse because of the culture in which they live.
LITERATURE REVIEW 4
According to Ballester et al. (2018), teenagers from low-income homes face a higher risk
of engaging in substance addiction. Children's parents and other family members can have a wide
range of effects on their development. Adolescents are more vulnerable to the influence of drug
and substance addiction when members of their immediate family engage in such behavior. How
different families talk to one another and stay organized vary widely. Furthermore, parents differ
in the abilities necessary to manage their young children, particularly as they enter adolescence.
When family members don't talk to one another, it might be difficult for adults to notice changes
in their children that can indicate substance misuse. These children may be more vulnerable to
substance abuse since their parents lack the necessary skills. Parents must keep a careful eye on
their children and guide them appropriately to forestall any negative intents that could lead to
substance misuse. As a result of not having these abilities, these young people are more likely to
experiment with drugs.
Adolescents' worldviews can be significantly shaped by the quality of their relationships
with family members. Family dynamics have been shown to affect children's prosocial conduct,
as stated by Guo et al. (2015). The author also draws parallels between a family's internal and
external dynamics and their effect on its young members. The adolescent years are a pivotal time
in which families can shape their children's development and, by extension, their adult behavior.
Most of these consequences start appearing in one's adult life, particularly in one's thirties.
Adolescent substance usage is correlated with family dynamics, according to research published
in 2015. There will be fewer occurrences of drug usage in communities where families are more
cohesive and well-managed. Lack of family bonds or socially low-income families increases
young people's vulnerability to drug and substance misuse (Ballester et al., 2018).
LITERATURE REVIEW 5
In conclusion, substance abuse and addiction among adolescents are caused by multiple
factors, including peer pressure, the challenge associated with academic life, trying out new life
experiences, and the family relationship that triggers substance abuse. Understanding the risk
factors helps in the prevention process and addresses the community's challenges.
LITERATURE REVIEW 6
References
Ballester, L., Valero, M., Orte, C., & Amer, J. (2018). An analysis of family dynamics: a selective
substance abuse prevention programme for adolescents. European Journal of Social
Work, 23(1), 93-105. https://doi.org/10.1080/13691457.2018.1473842
Guo, X., Slesnick, N., & Feng, X. (2015). Changes in Family Relationships among Substance
Abusing Runaway Adolescents: A Comparison between Family and Individual
Therapies. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 42(2), 299-312.
https://doi.org/10.1111/jmft.12128
Horigian, V., Feaster, D., Robbins, M., Brincks, A., Ucha, J., & Rohrbaugh, M. et al. (2015). A
cross-sectional assessment of the long term effects of brief strategic family therapy for
adolescent substance use. The American Journal on Addictions, 24(7), 637-645.
https://doi.org/10.1111/ajad.12278
Murray, M., & Nowicki, J. (2020). Ginkgo biloba (Ginkgo Tree). Textbook Of Natural Medicine,
620-628.e2. https://doi.org/10.1016/b978-0-323-43044-9.00082-0
National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. (2020). The genetics of alcohol and other
drug dependence. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.
https://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/arh312/111-118.htm
Raising Children Network. (2021). Brain development in pre-teens and teenagers. Raising
Children Network. https://raisingchildren.net.au/pre-teens/development/understanding-
your-pre-teen/brain-development-teen