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