26-Aug-24

Not long ago, I came across some articles that talk about the prevalence of substance abuse among teens and how it’s gradually been increasing with time. One particular page I came across was an article by the American Psychological Association. Teens have always been taught to “just say no” to substances like drugs, but studies have proven that resistance programs have been ineffective and have even increased the likelihood of substance abuse in some teens. The human brain doesn’t fully develop until after adolescence, which explains why teens don’t always make the best decisions. Sometimes, they just can’t resist things in spite of knowing they’re making a poor choice. Some people just can’t say no. And the main reason for their inability to resist is because teens enjoy the benefits of drugs, such as relieving stress. After noticing the effect of programs didn’t last very long, some communities are taking a new approach to the issue. Additionally, they’re noticing and responding to a changing issue: Teens have slowed down the use of illegal substances, but a number of them are overdosing primarily due to the availability of strong drugs. According to Aaron Weiner, “The goal is to make youth understand that the healthiest option is not to put these substances in your body, while also recognizing the fact that some teens are still going to try them. We want to help them avoid the worst consequences”. One reason early substance use is detrimental is because they can get in the way of healthy brain development, and they increase chances of substance abuse in adulthood as well. People who avoid substances are far more likely to succeed in life and to keep their nose clean. The drugs and the way they’re being used have also changed with time; people today are more into using hallucinogens that are easier to obtain. They’ve sort of “replaced alcohol as the cool thing to be doing” (Nina Christie, PhD). Social media also plays a large role in influencing adolescents to use nicotine and tobacco. Those working to treat and hopefully stop early substance abuse are working to develop modern treatment programs, such as the Seven Challenges Program. Psychologists have helped develop effective evidence-based programs that have a broad approach to prevention. The purpose is to motivate teens to monitor their own behavior and ultimately drive them away from substances. “You can insist until you’re blue in the face, but that’s not going to make people abstinent”, says Robert Schwebel.