Alcohol and substance abuse is a prevalent problem among youth. Effects of alcohol and substance abuse range from mental health problems like depression and suicide ideation to dating violence, to poor academic performance (Radliff, Wheaton, Robinson, & Morris, 2012). Early exposure to substance and alcohol abuse in the home may lead to an earlier instance of drug and alcohol abuse. This is because of the higher degree of availability and potential lack of parental involvement. This research paper aims to highlight the various ways in which drug and alcohol abuse affect youth from within and outside the home.
Effects of alcohol and substance abuse on high school youth
Academic failure can be one effect of substance and alcohol abuse. One study notes the lack of school commitment from youth experimenting with drugs and alcohol (Kelly et al., 2015, p. 627). The study examined gender, and substance/alcohol abuse in a 30-day period, noting continual poor academic performance when engaged in such behaviors. "Mid-adolescent polydrug use in Australia predicts subsequent school non-completion after accounting for a range of potential confounding factors. Adolescents who mainly consume alcohol are also at elevated risk of school non-completion" (Kelly et al., 2015, p. 627). Students that consumed drugs or alcohol were often late to class, did not turn in assignments on time, and would cut class or be excessively absent.
Substance and alcohol abuse may cause addiction in children. This can lead to dependency and desire to engage in such behaviors regardless of what happens around them. The study noted the lack of desire to participate in activities not related to alcohol and drugs. Drugs and alcohol can have a profound effect on a youth's relationship with school and achieving academic success. Without proper guidance, many students experiencing substance or alcohol abuse drop out of school altogether and avoid reengaging academically in the future.
Another effect from substance and alcohol abuse is the development of mental health problems. "Substance abuse is a strong risk factor for suicidal thoughts and behaviors among American high school students, with the strength of this relationship dramatically increasing with particular illicit drugs and a higher number of substances" (Wong, Zhou, Goebert, & Hishinuma, 2013, p. 1611). The authors of the 2013 study noted the higher risk of suicide among youth that experimented with a variety of drugs. Suicide ideation and depression was especially prevalent among youth stuck in cycles of addiction.
Addiction is a powerful potential effect of substance abuse that can lead youth to commit crimes and engage in risky behavior. Youth with substance abuse problems often cannot cope with the problems that arise from such behavior. When they cannot cope, they are left with feelings of despair, anger, and helplessness. These feelings may develop into long-term depression, anxiety disorder, and suicidal thoughts.
Mental health and behavioral problems are an important effect to recognize when it comes to substance abuse. While the study did not mention mental health problems specifically with alcohol abuse, the similarities in effects exist as alcohol can become an addictive behavior like drug use. Apart from mental health and behavioral problems, risk-taking behaviors can also be a consequence of engaging in drug and/or alcohol use. The study noted certain actions that led to depression and suicide ideation among adolescent drug users was fighting, stealing, and failing to form positive relationships with others.
Forming positive relationships is at the core of emotional development. Another possible effect from substance and/or alcohol abuse is sexual promiscuity. Those engaged in substance and/or alcohol abuse may participate in sexual encounters earlier than the average (Newcomb, Birkett, Corliss, & Mustanski, 2014, p. 304). Alcohol lowers inhibitions and allows youth to feel comfortable engaging in sexual behaviors versus no alcohol consumption. Substance abuse often leads to limited awareness and can place youth in situations where they are more likely to engage in sex or participate in sexual behaviors.
Alcohol and/or substance abuse may also lead to higher levels of sexual aggression. Youth may see sex as another means of escape that coupled with alcohol and/or drugs leads to a feeling of complete escape from the youth's problems. These effects however, are short-lived and can lead to increased occurrence of these behaviors. The study also noted increase drug use among bi-sexual youth (Newcomb, Birkett, Corliss, & Mustanski, 2014, p. 304). Being homosexual or bisexual in a society...
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