Drug Use And Kids

5 Pages 1301 Words

The developmental phase of adolescence is often a period of considerable stress and

insecurity. The attraction of “mind- altering” substances are frequently tempting as an

escape from the painful and discordant processes of adolescence. Yet this attraction is

deceptive ; the habitual flight into drug induced euphoria inevitably culminates

in the failure to acquire the developmental tasks necessary for future psychological

health. Furthermore, the chronic and compulsive use of powerful mood altering

substances has a significant dulling effect upon cortical tone, thus impairing the

attainment of optimal cognitive function and impeding the path of developmental

growth(Baumrind and Moselle 1985). Developmental fixation and regression are among

the serious risks of chronic substance abuse in contemporary adolescence. The adverse

developmental consequences of substance abuse in adolescence include persistent

identity diffusion, lack of clarity about goals, creation of a false of autonomy, impaired

capacity or deferred gratification and a fixation of the negative identity characteristics of

early adolescence.




As the extent and duration of substance abuse and dependence increases, the afflicted

adolescent will experience greater alienation and estrangement from the mainstream of

cultural life. Intensified degrees of loneliness and isolation, along with pronounced

feelings of hopelessness and helplessness, perpetuate the need for further drug-induced

refuge and escape. As the process intensifies and the individual fails to respond to efforts

aimed at internal control, self-esteem progressively deteriorates. The concurrent and

cumulative effects of impaired developmental maturation, deteriorating psychosocial

functioning, and declining self-esteem will place the adolescent at a greater risk for
dangerous and potentially lethal behavior, includi...