Drug Abuse: Teen Drug Abuse: Some Important Facts

by United Nations Photo

Just about any addiction can develop from a plain bad habit. “Just” drinking or smoking can worsen into far negative scenarios. What may begin as a liking for nicotine and alcohol may turn into a more serious and far reaching habits such as that of abusing substances like cocaine, heroin, meth and many more. These bad habits can just as easily turn into drug abuse.

Drug addiction preys on anyone including teenagers. Teenage drug addiction has never been prevalent than it is at present. However, what really constitutes teen drug abuse? Can any signs pinpoint such habit or behavior? Are there any effects or consequences?

Teen drug abuse is wide spread and is continuous spreading. There are very destructive consequences connected to this act both in the short and long run. Individuals between the ages of 15 and 24 exhibit high mortality rate which are largely connected to alcohol and drug abuse. Substance abuse can likewise result in unsolicited and vicious actions such as committing rape or murder, harassing or assaulting another person or committing theft or robbery.

Meanwhile, drug addiction may be used by some teens as a coping mechanism for certain feelings of angst or depression. They may view drug use as a form of escape from problems and pressures of everyday life. Bizarre or uncanny behavior such as running away from home, shying away for other family members and hanging out with bad company can be tell-tale signs of drug use or drug abuse. You need to be observant to tell the difference. Other observable signs of teen drug abuse include on and off coughing, reddened eyes and shift in sleeping as well as eating patterns.

Teens who lack social skills and who have a family history of drug addiction are more susceptible to the destructive behavior. Teens can easily be swayed into experimenting with drugs and can easily develop a drug-seeking behavior. These teens need to be helped by engaging them in more productive activities such as sports. They should likewise be given an avenue to express their creativity such as in the field of arts and music. This should be done in order for teens to be drawn away from drug abuse and its effects.

Teen drug abuse may have the following effects:

-Irritation or extreme irritability
-insomnia, lack of sleep or disrupted sleeping patterns
-Convulsions
-feelings or angst and/or depression
-paranoia
-memory loss and cognitive function problems (slow learning)
-lethargy
-daily coughing accompanied by phlegm
-clenching or gnashing of teeth
-dehydration and even death due to overdose

These effects of teen drug abuse can nonetheless be prevented or stopped from worsening. It all starts with the will to change. However, that is not enough. You need to seek help. In case you have a relative or acquaintance who has succumbed to teen drug abuse, it is best to get in touch with a drug rehab centre or facility. They offer special drug treatment programs for teens that can really help a teenager get back on track and recover.

A Pioneer in Psychology in Nepal: The Ankur Counseling Center

Find out more at www.NepalYouthFoundation.org. In the Himalayan country of Nepal, psychological counseling is in its infancy, although many children suffer from emotional trauma. In particular, disabled children, orphans, and homeless youth suffer from oppression and discrimination, and are in need of counseling. The Ankur Counseling Center in Kathmandu, Nepal is breaking down these barriers. Ankur, a program of the Nepal Youth Foundation, has become a leader in psychological therapy for children in Nepal. Ankur’s counselors, who have Masters degrees in clinical psychology, provide psychosocial therapy to underprivileged children. This counseling is enabling children who have endured unimaginable hardships at very young ages, many of whom depend on scholarships from NYF, to fulfill their potential. It’s particularly beneficial to the boys and girls who live at J and K House, NYF’s children’s homes. Therapy sessions teach children about interpersonal relationships, self-esteem, and leadership, and workshops cover topics such as stress management and drug abuse. . Ankur is a project of the Nepal Youth Foundation (NYF). a US based nonprofit that brings hope to impoverished Nepali children by providing what should be every child’s birthright — freedom, health, shelter, and education. Because dollars go far in Nepal, NYF literally changes lives for pennies a day. Learn more about how NYF gives unimagined opportunities to destitute children at http