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Addictions in Adolescence
Abstract
Nationwide, our teenagers are facing pressures unlike those seen prior. Social media, music
trends, and reductions in the moral values of society lead to exposure to topics these youths were
sheltered from in the past. Increases in the prevalence of mental health-related diagnostics among
this age group suggest that this population is vulnerable to the risks of substance abuse and
addiction-related disorders due to the increased frequency of low self-esteem and exposure from
peer groups. The healthy spiritual development of the family is essential to raising youths who
are able to be resilient in this current society. When faced with addiction-related concerns,
therapeutic interventions that address the individual, peer group, family, and community have
shown promise in combatting adolescent substance abuse and addiction disorders. By improving
the spiritual development and connection of the family to their community, the well-being of
every family member can be altered for the better.
Keywords: addiction, adolescents, substance use, family
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Addictions in Adolescence
Addiction in Adolescents Essay
Among the many issues adolescents face today, substance abuse and addiction have
become one of the most prevalent. Currently, youths face societal pressures at levels of intensity
not prior experienced by prior generations. Social media has provided opportunities for
connections to be made by individuals worldwide. With this benefit comes additional
opportunities for peer influence and bullying. During adolescence, peer influences are often
considered to be stronger than that of the parents, and teenagers are often known to rebel against
parental authority (Wong et al., 2020). Around this time period, teens begin to form identities that
align with the interests of their peers. This can become particularly problematic if the teen’s peer
group has begun experimenting and utilizing alcohol or other illicit substances. This essay aims
to examine current substance abuse and addiction research, the resilience of this age range
population, and the impact of substance abuse and addiction on the family unit.
As an individual may desire to fit in with their peer group, their risk of developing
addictions to alcohol and other substances is heightened (Wong et al., 2020). Those individuals
who show heightened levels of self-esteem appear to operate more resiliently through this age
range in relation to avoiding risk-taking behaviors such as substance utilization due to having the
ability to say no to peers that others may not have. Current research posits that experimentation
and utilization of illicit substances by children in their teens are commonplace in today’s society
(Schulte & Kelleghan, 2023). According to national surveys, 58% of students have consumed
alcohol, approximately 44% have utilized marijuana, and around 19% have experimented with at
least one form of illicit substance by their senior year in high school (Schulte & Kelleghan,
2023). Out of those individuals between the ages of 12 to 20 years of age who enter outpatient
treatment for substance abuse disorders, only 39% are alleged to complete their designated
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Addictions in Adolescence
programs. Of the 39% of those individuals who complete their programs successfully, only about
15% of those have been able to abstain from substance utilization at the one-year mark (Schulte
& Kelleghan, 2023).
Therapeutic interventions that have proven to be successful in treating adolescent
substance abuse disorder identify the involvement of the family in treatment as a significant
element in the treatment process (Henderson et al., 2019). Substance abuse disorder has a
significant impact on the family unit as a whole. The caregivers of the adolescent may
experience feelings of anxiety, fear, and guilt. These same individuals may lack the knowledge
needed to support the individual experiencing the disorder in their recovery. Though little
research has been conducted in relation to the effects of SUD on siblings, research argues that
significant adverse emotions are experienced that may have a debilitating impact on familial
bonds (Henderson et al., 2019). The trust between members becomes broken, and feelings of
resentment towards the individuals perceived responsible for the damage incurred grow. Family
members can also feel the effects of a member’s addiction-related disorder financially as
monetary resources are utilized to procure substances by the user, or services others see would
not be utilized without the member’s addiction-related concerns.
Multisystemic Therapy and Functional Family Therapy are quickly becoming
interventions deemed to be successful in the treatment of adolescent substance use disorder
(SUD) (Henderson et al., 2019). These programs have gained this accreditation as they address
not only the individual but also the family, and community the adolescent interacts with. These
interventions posit that to be effective, interventions must be able to be implemented in all
settings in order to address all barriers faced. Both MST and FFT are evidence-based models that
also aim to build the support systems of the families serviced. With respect to spiritual
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Addictions in Adolescence
development, these programs seem to take note of the importance of community, having a
positive outlook, and the influence of the environment on the moral views of the individual
diagnosed with a substance-related disorder (Henderson et al., 2019). Those individuals who
have healthy levels of spiritual development display heightened value systems that aid them in
the decision-making process (Wong et al., 2020). When individuals are connected to a
community that presents as a positive moral influence, avoiding risk-taking behaviors is
simplified due to the negative peer perceptions of substance utilization. An example of this is
provided through Christian worldviews that state it is important to maintain a sober mind and be
filled with the spirit (The Message, 2018).
Conclusion
Adolescent substance abuse disorder has become one of the top three disorders
treated by professionals related to youths today (Henderson et al., 2019). The nation’s teens
today face peer pressures unlike those prior experienced by generations. These peer pressures
place adolescents at risk of becoming addicted to substances they may have avoided utilizing
were it not for a desire to fit in. Once a family member becomes addicted to substances, the
impact of the disorder on the entire family unit is stark. Once healthy and loving, bonds may
disintegrate as distrust and resentment settle in. Therapeutic interventions that address the family
as a whole have shown promise. Programs that target the entire environment an adolescent is
exposed to, knowledge of the family in relation to the needs of the individual, the individual’s
peer groups, and family connection to the community have shown the ability to be more effective
treatment programs for adolescents with SUD. These programs address concerns related to the
physical, emotional, and spiritual health of the adolescent to improve their functioning and well-
being. Due to the relative youth of these interventions, more academic research is needed to
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Addictions in Adolescence
Resources
Henderson, J. L., Brownlie, E. B., McMain, S., Chaim, G., Wolfe, D. A., Rush, B., Boritz, T., &
Beitchman, J. H. (2019). Enhancing prevention and intervention for youth concurrent
mental health and substance use disorders: The research and action for teens study. Early
Intervention in Psychiatry, 13(1), 110-119. https://doi.org/10.1111/eip.12458
Peterson, E. H. (2018).FThe message: The Bible in contemporary languageF(3rd ed.). NavPress in
alliance with Tyndale House Publishers.
Schulte, M. T., & Kelleghan, A. R. (2023). Adolescent, parent, and provider perspectives of a
social-media based support tool for parents of teens in treatment for substance
use.FJournal of Addictions Nursing.,F34(1), E21–E27.
https://doi.org/10.1097/JAN.0000000000000423
Wong, D. W., Hall, K. R., & Hernandez, L. W. (2020).FCounseling individuals through the
lifespanF(2nd ed.). SAGE Publications, Inc.
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