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Addiction in Adolescence
ABSTRACT
This paper will cover the topic of addiction within the adolescent stage
of human development and the effects that addiction can have on family
units, and how spirituality can have a positive effect on the healing process
for adolescent patients struggling with addiction.
Keywords: Addiction, Adolescence, Development, Youth.
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Addiction in Adolescence
ADDICTION IN ADOLESCENCE
Boundaries)are often labeled)with misconceptions and negative associations. However, in
a post-modern world, boundaries are crucial and necessary to human development. TikTok,
Instagram, Snapchat, X, and Facebook are just some of the loud social media platforms that
influence and affect today's adolescent population's cultural norms and expectations.)The old and
overused adage)of)"If your friend jumped off a bridge, would you?')feels)dated and yet extremely
important; a young teenager may answer, "Of course, I wouldn't, but if Taylor Swift told me to, I
would.")Influence is)a)powerful)thing, especially when you have individuals in adolescence with
prefrontal cortexes that aren't fully developed.
Party culture and addiction are on the rise in the United States (Wong D. et al., 2021). It
is reported that 50% of teenagers have misused a drug at least one time in their lives (NCDAS,
2023); this statistic is not as taboo or as sobering as it might have been with past generations.
The legalization of Marijuana, the rise of access to fake identification cards, the toxicity of social
media, the rise of addiction, and harmful behaviors for adolescents behavior are almost
becoming acceptable and cultural norms)(Columbia University Irving Medical Center). As a
counselor in training, it is imperative to understand the effects of addiction on the development
of indolence and how greater research needs to)be done)regarding addictions, not just regarding
the abuse of substances and alcohol.)Furthermore, it is also imperative as a future counselor to
understand the biology behind the sensitivity of this stage of development and how the role
of)integration of)spirituality can have long-lasting effects in multiple categories of the)life of the
client.
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Addiction in Adolescence
ADDICTION HAVING A BROAD SCOPE
According to Webster's Dictionary,)addiction)is defined as "Many problematic behaviors
such as Internet use, compulsive shopping, sex, stealing, and eating all lack persuasive data
regarding their neurobiological (including genetic) underpinnings." This definition is further
proof that addiction goes beyond substances, and it requires counselors to have an understanding
that addictions can happen with a plethora of things with clients. According to a study on social
media addiction and adolescent-aged individuals, findings illuminated that at least 25% of
adolescents are addicted to social media (Caner, N., 2022). The development of anxiety, clinical
depression, and self-harm has also been linked to social media addiction (Firth, J., 2019).)
From the opioid crisis being an epidemic within America, it is no wonder that the number
of adolescents using and abusing illegal substances is on the rise. It is estimated)1)in 8 students
have abused illegal substances within the past year (NCDAS, 2023).)It is crucial for counselors
to recognize)the nature of this time within adolescence and their development. At this stage of
life, clients are in a heavy stage of exploration through identity, sexual attraction, friendships,
and more; by understanding that this age group is at a compassionate time with their
development and is more at risk of experimenting with substances and unhealthy behaviors that
can develop into addiction.)
EFFECTS ON FAMILY SYSTEMS
When one person in a family unit develops an addiction, it alters and affects their
personality and, therefore, affects the family system. Detachment, anger, and outbursts become
common among adolescents who struggle with addiction (Wong, D. et al. 2021). Studies have
shown that individuals who struggle with addiction, specifically with substance-related
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Addiction in Adolescence
addiction, cannot be treated and understood correctly if the whole family)is not considered)and
the impact on the family unit (Das, J. al., 2016). Addiction and adolescence are not something
to)be ignored)and something to sweep under the rug as simple "exploration" because it can
ultimately lead to significant emotional, mental, and physical destruction to the adolescent and
the family.)
SPIRITUAL DEVELOP
Spirituality)is often linked)to the recovery process of those dealing with substance and
alcohol abuse. From the serenity prayer to sober homes with spirituality at the center of their
teachings and reintegration into society, spirituality has proven to be both)effective)and valuable
in counseling those with addictions (Wong D. et al., 2021). Spirituality can)be used)in both
secular practices and religious healing settings; mindfulness, yoga, and meditation are all widely
used and advocated for under the spirituality umbrella)in regard to)those fighting addictions.
Spirituality has also)been linked)to helping clients who have trauma to build resiliency and be
able to walk through and process the trauma that is linked to their addictions. Ultimately, it is
evident that spirituality is a part of human existence. As counselors, we must recognize the
importance and advantage we can have in helping fight addiction with all the tools we can,
including spirituality.
CONCLUSION
Adolescence is a)difficult)and strange time both emotionally and physically for
individuals. Adding in the pressure of 21st century technology, social media trends, and the
access to substances at)an easier)rate; addiction is unfortunately something that happens. As a
counselor in training, it is my duty and responsibility to educate myself on the signs and to
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Addiction in Adolescence
advocate for)greater)research into recognizing early signs of addiction and how to fight the
stigma that addiction can bring. Ultimately, counselors have an incredible opportunity to
advocate for breaking generational patterns with both trauma and addiction; any child in their
adolescence stage is worthy of self-exploration, just not as the risk of creating detrimental affects
to themselves and their families.)
REFRENCES
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Addiction in Adolescence
Caner, N., Efe, Y. S., & Başdaş, Ö. (2022). The contribution of social media addiction to`
adolescent LIFE: Social appearance anxiety.)Current psychology (New Brunswick,
N.J.),)41(12), 8424–8433. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-022-03280-y
Das, J. K., Salam, R. A., Arshad, A., Finkelstein, Y., & Bhutta, Z. A. (2016). Interventions for
Adolescent Substance Abuse: An Overview of Systematic Reviews.)The Journal of
adolescent health : official publication of the Society for Adolescent Medicine,)59(4S),
S61–S75. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jadohealth.2016.06.021
Firth, J., Torous, J., Stubbs, B., Firth, J.A., Steiner, G.Z, Smith, L., Sarris, J. (2019). The “online
brain”: How the internet may be changing our cognition.)World Psychiatry, 18(2), 119–129.
10.1002/wps.20617
National Institute on Drug Abuse . 2014. Principles of adolescent substance use disorder
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