Why drug abuse is on the rise among teens

Teen and adolescent drug abuse is a serious problem, as drugs tend to affect them more significantly than adults, says Counselling Psychologist, Aisha Abdullahi Bubah. Many a times, they don’t realise the damage drugs do to their health and social wellbeing. It often begins with experimental use and grows into frequent drug abuse.

Bubah noted that the home plays a significant role in preventing or predisposing teens to drug use. “Children tend to pick up behaviours through observational learning. They tend to model behaviours that they see. When a child is exposed to alcohol or other drug use at home, they are more likely to try it.

“Family history of drug use also genetically predisposes a child to use drugs. The relationship dynamics and communication style in a family also plays a role in influencing the decisions that teens make. When they come from a secure and loving environment that allows for open communication, they are more likely to talk about their experiences. These experiences can be their encounter with drugs or other problems they may be faced with. In a situation like this, it gives room for the caregivers in the family to educate the child and help them through negative experiences/ influences they may be faced with.”

While stressing on the impact of peer pressure to the rising cases of drug abuse, the psychologist said that during the adolescent developmental period, they go through a series of changes socially, emotionally and physically. They begin to develop their worldview and a sense of identity. This is significantly characterised by forming strong peer relationships, with a need for sense of belonging. This stage is marked by seeking independence from parents and acceptance by peers.

They begin to share similar interests and engage in similar activities with their peers. This gives room for positive or negative influence, depending on what their peers are involved in. Peer pressure plays a major role in the rise of drug abuse, as most teens would rather belong with their peers than be the different one. Studies have shown that teens are more likely to act out risky behaviours when they know their friends are watching and when their friends are involved.

On signs parents should look out for in their wards to prevent further damage, Bubah listed the following warning signs which can be managed before it gets out of control:
• Mood swings- sometimes feeling extreme lows/extreme highs, angry outbursts, hostile.
• Behavioural changes- Poor academic performance, trouble with authority, new friends, trouble at school, missing classes, being secretive, poor hygiene, body odour or excessive use of perfume to cover up the smell of drugs/alcohol, isolation from family, deviancy, stealing, selling off valuables, finding drug paraphernalia in their rooms like ash trays, lighters, syringe, eye-drops, etc.
• Poor motivation – difficulty concentrating on activities, forgetfulness, low energy.
• Physical problems – poor sleep pattern, low appetite, sweating, headaches, stomach upset, sudden weight gain/ loss, blood-shot eyes, scratching, needle marks on their arms, etc.

She added that while there are many more signs that may signal drug abuse in your ward, the above-mentioned warning signs do not for a fact establish drug abuse in your teen.

On why it is rampant in the society today as we have a lot of young people involved in consuming unimaginable stuff to get high, the counselling psychologist said that a lot of reasons can be attributed to availability of the drugs, the “silence” culture, economic distress, unemployment, high rate of poverty, etc.

“When drugs are readily available like alcohol, cigarettes, marijuana (which is the most highly abused drug in Nigeria), prescription drugs like cough syrup, tramadol, etc., they tend to be highly abused. The silence culture in Nigeria has led us into a situation where social issues like drug abuse are not openly discussed. It is mainly perceived as a criminal offense, and only criminals get involved with drugs. However, this is not the case.

“Socio-economic difficulties have made young people seek solace and escape in drugs, from facing the harsh realities of life. And also, undue pressure on young people to succeed academically and career-wise has made drug use rampant amongst them as a coping mechanism. However, drugs do not give solace in the face of problems, it only gives a temporary pleasurable relief and creates new and bigger problems for the individual,” Bubah concludes.