as well as having risky behaviour. Reasons for Alcohol Consumption and Substance Abuse Many teenagers believe that drinking alcohol is a way of gaining acceptance and admiration of their peers, fitting in the friend circles and a way to show off that they have grown up. Studies have shown that many adolescents started substance abuse because of the pressure from their friends. Some children indulge in substance abuse to show their anger or a way of rebelling against their parental or societal norms.
For many, it is due to curiosity. Sometimes it is done to explore the unknown behaviour. No matter whatever the reasons are, substance misuse is not very healthy and is dangerous. Some of the adverse effects could be: a) Greater difficulty in focussing and paying attention.
b) Poor school performance. c) Depression and anxiety. d) Unnatural deaths, for example from motor vehicle accidents, due to drunken driving. e) Tendency to indulge in crimes like stealing, fighting, etc.
f) Suicidal tendencies are much higher in children of adolescence age who drink or engage in substance misuse. Given below are some of the most common myths and facts related to substance abuse: Myth Facts There is no harm in trying a drug just once, because one can stop after that. Almost all drug addicts start by trying just once. Once the drug is taken, the user is always amenable to further drug intake, which becomes a part of their habit.
Drugs increase creativity and make the user more imaginative Drug addict loses clarity and may become incoherent over a period of time. Drugs can sharpen thinking and lead to greater concentration. Drugs induce dullness and adversely affect the normal functioning of body and mind. Will power alone can help a drug addict to stop taking drugs.
Besides strong will power, love and support of family and friends, medical and psychiatric treatment may be needed to come out of drug addiction. Alcohol helps people forget their problems. Very often the opposite is found to be true. People bring up forgotten problems under intoxication.
Alcohol only adds up to the