Drug Abuse And Adolescent Risky Behavior - 884 Words

Addiction in Adolescence Introduction All addictions begin with risk taking. So, why is it that adolescents have such an attraction to risky behaviors? According to Broderick (2013), adolescents have a high propensity for sensation seeking (novel experiences) and seem to be willing to put themselves at risk in order to have these novel experiences (p. 392). This essay will attempt to discuss how the brain is developing, being impacted, and, how spiritual development effects adolescent risky behavior. Risky behaviors can include any behavior that is seen by most as deviant social behavior. For example, drug abuse, sexual promiscuity, eating disorders, alcohol abuse, etc. These behaviors occur in youth for a number of reasons and can range from being mild to severe. Some reasons for risky behaviors is: doing what their peers do, the need to feel/be sensational, or, as a way of testing their self-determination or individualism (p. 405). How Abuse or Addiction Affects the Developing Brain of an Adolescent Since we are categorizing abuse and addiction as risky behaviors, the question is – how is the brain being affected by these behaviors? As the brain develops, the growth and pruning of dopamine receptors (neurotransmitters that deal with emotions) cause a different distribution of receptors throughout the brain. Just when the youth begins seeking the approval from his peers, his cognitive control is developing at a slower rate that his emotions. Therefore, threeShow MoreRelatedDrug Use And The Factors That Influence A Future Drug Addiction1005 Words   |  5 Pagesexplores various ways adolescent brain is susceptible to risky behaviors such as drug use and the factors that influence a future drug addiction. Adolescence is a time of growth both physically and mentally as well as emotionally. Risky behaviors, such as drug use, are likely to appear during this time. It isn’t until early adulthood that the prefrontal cortex, the area of our brain responsible for logical thought and reasoning, is developed. Many underlying factors of substance abuse are well known, suchRead MoreThe Effects Of Drug Abuse On Adolescents957 Words   |  4 Pagesto risky behavior. Nevertheless, that is not the only factor that can influence risk behaviors in adolescents. Poor parental guidance and absentee of a parent (s), peer influences, low self-esteem, mental health predisposition are a few of the factors that can lead adolescents into addiction or drug abuse. Research shows that teenagers are at increased risk of poor mental health, antisocial behavior and risk-taking behavior such as substance misuse (Raising Children Network, 2014). Drug abuse canRead MoreThe Effects Of Addiction On Adolescent Development1302 Words   |  6 Pageson Adolescent Development Adolescence is a time where adolescents grow and mature at a rapid rate. It is also a time where adolescents are more vulnerable to taking risks, such as using and becoming addicted to illegal substances, due to raging hormones. Whether or not an adolescent chooses to engage in drug use and abuse depends on their home environment and those they choose to associate themselves with. Adolescents are confronted with an enormous amount of pressure to participate in risky behaviorsRead MoreNotes On Adolescence And Substance Use Essay1291 Words   |  6 PagesThis can lead to risky behaviors that begins earlier in adolescences, and peaks at the later stage just before adulthood. Risky behaviors can include drug or alcohol use or abuse (Broderick Blewitt, 2015). This paper will examine the relationship between adolescences and alcohol use, and the effect that alcohol have on the developing brain. As well as, how a healthy spiritual development can effect substance use in adolescences. In addition, it will discuss the issue of local drug or alcohol useRead MorePhysical Development Of Adolescents Report1263 Words   |  6 PagesKate Willey November 8, 2015 PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT IN ADOLESCENTS REPORT THESIS- Adolescents are at higher risk of physical and brain injury due to their still developing brains, specifically the frontal lobe. Is it possible for the engagement in sexual activity, alcohol and drug use, sport injuries and other risky behaviors damage adolescent minds? The answer is yes because early high-risk behaviors, including sexual encounters, are powerful influences and appear to beRead MorePrescription Drug Use And Drug Abuse1691 Words   |  7 PagesPrescription drug abuse is an ongoing problem in rural teens. The National Survey on Drug Use and Health suggests that 13% of teens between the ages of 12-17 have experimented with nonmedical prescription drugs at some point in their lives. Researchers have identified several factors linked with nonmedical prescription drug use such as their school enrollment status, history of depression, and a two parent household presence (Gever, 2010). Nonmedical prescription drug abuse has been the rise, inRead MoreAdolescence : An Exciting Milestone For Any Individual1626 Words   |  7 Pagesa strict monitoring regime due to the fact that some teens will begin engaging in risky behavior such as experimenting with substances. This can lead to habitual abusing and other serious problems. Thus, preventing early use of drugs or alcohol may go a long way in reducing these risks. In this instance, there is a need to identify specific factors within the home environment to mitigate or even prevent adolescents from wandering down this destructive path, which leads to poor education, sexual devianceRead MoreFactors That Affect The Development Of Young Adults1002 Words   |  5 Pages1. Kelly like many adolescents’ has a myriad of biological changes occurring during this time in her life puberty, sexual maturation, increases in height and weight, as well as changes in her body composition. Even though the progression of these events during puberty is somewhat consistent among adolescents, differences can be found; in Kelly’s case an early growth spurt separated her from her peers. Early Sexual development and dramatic changes in body composition such as weight gain or growthRead MoreJust Another Generation Of Normal Degrassi Teens1297 Words   |  6 PagesTeens For over a decade, many a middle school student has watched an episode of degrassi and wondered â€Å"How accurate is this show anyway?† Everyone at some point questions how many teens deal with any of the situations dealt with in this TV show. The drugs, depression, and drama come off as excessive, but then again we should be watching the show in context. These high school students, like every Degrassi student before them, experiences biological, cognitive, and social change daily. They are slowlyRead MoreAdolescence And Its Effects On Adult Behavior Essay1585 Words   |  7 Pagesa period of transition through which individuals prepare for living independently in adulthood. Adolescents begin to emulate adult behaviors and seek novelty, with an inhibited regard for danger, as they accumulate the skills needed to provide for themselves. (Spear, 2000) There are several characteristics of adolescence that seem to make an individual more prone to experimenting with addictive drug use, to his or her potential detriment. These include: an increase in taking species-specific risks