How does substance abuse affect youth?

Substance-abusing youth are at higher risk than nonusers for mental health problems, including depression, conduct problems, personality disorders, suicidal thoughts, attempted suicide, and suicide.

What are the causes of drug abuse among youth?

Predisposing factors for drug abuse among youth:

Developmental changes.
Peer Pressure.
Availability and access to drugs.
Mass media representation of drug use as freedom.
Genetic factors.
Psychiatric problems like Anxiety disorders, Mood disorders, Personality disorders etc.

What are some negative effects of substance use during adolescence?

Risks of Substance Use Affect the growth and development of teens, especially brain development. Occur more frequently with other risky behaviors, such as unprotected sex and dangerous driving. Contribute to the development of adult health problems, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and sleep disorders.

What are the causes of abusing the substance?

Causes of Substance Use Disorders

Family history of addiction.
Sleep problems.
Chronic pain.
Financial difficulties.
Divorce or the loss of a loved one.
Long-term tobacco habit.
Tense home environment.
Lack of parental attachment in childhood.

What is the main cause of drug abuse?

Various social factors such as social disorganization, peer pressures, family factors, genetic factors, emotional problems, and mental health problems have been proposed as the etiology of drug abuse.

What are the preventive factors against substance use and abuse?

Protective factors:

strong and positive family bonds;
parental monitoring of children’s activities and peers;
clear rules of conduct that are consistently enforced within the family;
involvement of parents in the lives of their children;

How can substance abuse be addressed or reduced?

Current strategies for reducing youth use and adult substance abuse include:

Increase community collaboration to reduce substance abuse.
Increase and align community substance abuse prevention messaging.
Increase access to skill-building opportunities for parents and adults working with youth to reduce youth use.

What are legal substances?

Legal drugs are considered permissible for use, and are either prescribed by a physician (prescription medications) or are available over the counter at a pharmacy or other outlet (non-prescription medication). They are intended for medical purposes, such as to ease pain symptoms and to treat health conditions.