Adolescences and Addiction

Adolescences and Addiction

Danielle Wadsworth

Liberty University

Abstract

This essay discussed the factors that influence adolescent drug abuse, their brain and addiction, as well as healthy spiritual development and addiction. Humans are environmentally and genetically predisposed to developing a motivated addictive behavior. Addiction is a brain disease and a behavior. All behaviors are decisions that have be chosen by the individual whether good or bad they must be owned. The choices that are made during adolescent years directly affect the outcome of their futures. Unfortunately there are many factors that are out of the control of that innocent child that can greatly influence their behavior.

Addiction and Adolescents

In today’s society drug abuse is a serious problem across the United States. Over 7 million American adolescents aged 12 to 17 have used drugs at least once in their lifespan. (NDIC, 2010) Adolescents who are raised in an environment where drug and alcohol use are normal tend to experiment with drugs and alcohol from a young age and often do not take into account the consequences for their behaviors. Drug accessibility is one of the causes of adolescent abuse, due to their ability to get drugs and alcohol from friends or family members. Furthermore peer pressure, low self-esteem, stress, and family issues could cause an adolescent to turn to drug/alcohol.

Factors that Influence Adolescent Drug Abuse

Like much of anything behavior starts at home, which could strongly influence the drug and or alcohol abuse. Parents or other relatives who use drugs could negatively affect the decision make processes of any child or children raised in that environment. Adolescents whom are raise in such environment are at risk of drug addictions as well. (NDIC, 2010) It’s hard for these young minds to separate right from wrong when their parents and other family members portray these acts as normal. National Drug Intelligence Center...