ADOLESCENTS 2
The frequency among adolescents using substances is alarming and raises cause for
concern. A!wealth of research has recognized several reasons adolescents have turned to
substance use. Unfortunately, substance usage in adolescents has alarmingly increased, causing
an addiction that sometimes turns fatal.!Precisely, in the United States, from 2019-2020, there
was a 30% increase in drug overdoses that resulted in death.!Additionally, this figure in 2021
increased by 15%, which!is!estimated!at 108,000 deaths. Unfortunately, the statistics increased
for ages 14-18 (Nath et al., 2022). Nath et al. (2022) report that overdose deaths increased
rapidly to 94%. Given the increased accessibility to harmful substances, it is urgent to allocate
supplementary resources to support and address this behavior. Many elements stem from this
disturbing escalation. The CDC and Prevention States Unintentional Drug Overdose System
Report (SUDORS) have researched trends linked to the reported substance abuse fatalities.
Adolescents ages 10-19 were involved in casualties caused by illegally manufactured drugs
(IMF); 90% were because of Opioids, and 35% were unintentional. This alarming trend
continues to grow, especially among middle schoolers (Nath et al., 2022; Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention, 2022).
Consequently, the after-effects of drug use extend beyond the initial occurrence,
including but not limited to increased dropout rates, addiction, fatalities, and family discord
(Manoj, 2015). Thus, there is a need to continuously highlight the severity of combatting factors
contributing to drug use. The adolescent stage is a vulnerable time when individuals!are
exposed!to many substances that influence an individual’s physical, mental, and spiritual well-
being. Research has found no singular cause of motivation regarding drug use in adolescents.
However, studies have shown that some causes!are centered!around trauma, mental health,
social-emotional stability, and genetic predispositions (Manoj, 2015). Effective interventions are
ADOLESCENTS 3
paramount and should encompass innovative pre-intervention methodology. Different measures
may include afterschool support groups that focus on substance abuse awareness, family therapy,
and pharmacological education. The impact of drugs can disrupt adolescents’ family dynamics,
internal turmoil, and cognition.
Another intervention measure that!is often integrated!into different treatment ideation is
spiritual development (Unger et al., 2020). For example, Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) groups
use serenity prayer as a place of comfort. The prayer's significance is to extend comfort in the
intimate moments of struggle. Unger et al. (2020) assert that spiritual development, when
integrated, effectively provides a sense of community and purpose. However, this notion is
dependent upon how adolescents view spirituality.!Therefore, the best!measures of support!are to
remain mindful in considering innovative measures and foundations, including meditation,
therapy, and self-resilience,!hence!embodying the fullness of integrating spirituality.
In conclusion, recognizing the alarming increase in substance access and abuse in
adolescents requires a comprehensive approach that considers individual wellness, family
dynamics, and spiritual integration. Applicable interventions comprise raising awareness, early
intervention, and innovative measures of support altered according to the needs of the
adolescent. Additionally, promoting healthy overall wellness and spiritual development may
serve as consolation. Adolescents are vulnerable and can easily succumb to peer pressure, family
struggles, and social barriers.!Therefore, future research should focus on healthy spiritual
development and inclusive preventative methods to raise awareness and early detection. Further,
it includes how the entire support system of a child (school faculty, parents, and environment)
can work as one to contend with the exposure and usage of drugs.
ADOLESCENTS 5
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, September 29). High risk substance use in youth.
CDC. https://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/substance-use/index.htm
Manoj, S. (2015). Substance abuse in adolescents: Implications for research and practice. Journal of
Alcohol and Drug Education, 59(1), 3–6. https://www.jstor.org/stable/48506423
Nath, A., Choudhari, S. G., Dakhode, S. U., Rannaware, A., & Gaidhane, A. M. (2022). Substance
Abuse Amongst Adolescents: An Issue of Public Health Significance. Cureus, 14(11).
https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.31193
Unger, J. B., Sussman, S., Begay, C., Moerner, L., & Soto, C. (2020). Spirituality, ethnic identity, and
substance use among american indian/alaska native adolescents in california. Substance Use &
Misuse, 55(7), 1194–1198. https://doi.org/10.1080/10826084.2020.1720248
Powered by TCPDF (www.tcpdf.org)
