Addiction_and_Adolescence.docx.pdf.pdf

Running head: ADDICTION AND ADOLESCENCE

Addiction and Adolescence

Tanishia Hinton

Liberty University

ADDICTION AND ADOLESCENCE

Addiction and Adolescence

When processing abuse and addiction in adolescence, in today’s society one has to take

have some type of electronic device and there is access to Wi-Fi in most public places. There is

currently an application for most devices to be able to communicate via social media. On these

various sites youth talk about drugs, parties, sexual encounters, and they also pick on peers for

numerous reasons. Unfortunately, youth may practice risky behaviors. According to Broderick

& Blewitt (2009) “risky behaviors constitute a departure from socially accepted norms or

behaviors that pose a threat to the well-being of individuals or groups” (p. 389). In addition,

many youth don’t take into consideration some of the things that a peer may be going through

when they make fun of them. For instance, if a peer does not have the latest clothes, they may

not know that that child is from a single parent home and parents can’t afford designer items or

the peer that is teased for being gay. That type of treatment can lead a child to experiment with

Adolescence is a distinctive phase in neural development (Squeglia, Jacobus, & Tapert,

2009). The adolescent undergoes a physical, cognitive and social change that creates their

identity. Additionally, youth are establishing independence and developing their self-

awareness. According to Squeglia at el. (2009) “adolescent substance users show abnormalities

on measure of brain functioning, which is linked to changes in neurocognition over time” (p. 31).

During adolescence “peers are a source of support” (Broderick & Blewitt, 2015, p. 404).

However, many youth engage in risky behaviors which can alter the brain development.

Substance abuse is a prevalent crisis that is overtaking adolescents today. Additionally, alcohol

and marijuana are common amongst adolescents. Many youth suffers from chemical

dependency (Squeglia et al., 2009). Consequently, research has shown abnormalities in the

memory (Squeglia et al., 2009).

Spiritual Development

Most Christians have veering views when it comes to consumption of alcohol, and of

course they teach their children there various beliefs on whether or not to indulge. Having a

relationship with God is very important in an individual spiritual development. According to

ADDICTION AND ADOLESCENCE4

Clinton & Hawkins, (2009) “50% of child abuse and neglect cases are connected with the

alcohol or drug use of a guardian” (p. 19). Many youth who have a relationship with God are

dealing with traumatic circumstances. However, individuals are emotionally wounded. So

often, many individuals are chemically dependent to drugs. Unfortunately, the consequence of

powerful and it can destroy their relationship with God. However, with God’s help adolescents

substance users have the ability to be set free from addictions. Youth’s must be aware that Jesus

has paid the price for their sins on the cross.

Virginia Local Stories

Locally the police department has made efforts to coordinate with local schools to show

teens the dangers of drinking and driving. State police of Virginia have done mock

demonstrations in order to give high school students hands on look at a scene of a drinking and

driving fatality (Sidersky, 2016). In order to drive the point home they use a student from the

school. The state police got a volunteer to be covered up in a sheet to let them know that this

could become a reality to them or one of their peers if they elect to drink and drive. In the

the result of a previous trauma and the youth elects to use to numb the pain. By the same token,

the substance use could be the result of a learned behavior and be perceived as the norm to the

individual. Whatever the case may be the counselor is tasked with assisting the client in

replacing the behavior over time.

ADDICTION AND ADOLESCENCE

Broderick, P. C., & Blewitt, P. (2015). The life span: human development for helping professionals

(Custom 4th ed.) New York, New York: Pearson Education

Clinton, T., & Hawkins, R. (2009). The quick reference guide to Biblical Counseling. Grand Rapids,

MI: Baker Publishing Group.

Piacentine, L. B. (2013). Spirituality, religiosity, depression, anxiety and drug-use consequences

adolescent brain development. Clinical EEG Neuroscience Journal, 40(1), 31-38.