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Abuse and Substance Addiction in Adolescence

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Abuse and Substance Addiction in Adolescence

Abuse and Substance Addiction in Adolescences
Introduction
Did you know that one in 15 high school seniors smoke marijuana on a daily basis or near daily basis, and close to three quarters have consumed alcohol by the end of their high school years (Feldman, 2013, p. 371)? The adolescence years can be characterized by irresponsible behavior and risky choices for some, causing the prevalence of substance abuse and addiction to be on the rise during these years. Substance abuse can be defined as the over indulgence of a substance that can lead to harmful effects for the individual and or others. Adolescents turn to substance abuse for various reasons. According to Feldman (2013, p.371) many use because they want that free spirit feeling that the loss of inhibitions and tension might provide, others are thrill seeking, and some use them as means to escape from daily stressors. Research states there is a link between adolescent’s substance addiction and changes in brain structure, function, and neurocognition that are characterized by this stage of development (Squeglia, L. M., Jacobus, J., & Tapert, S. F.,2009).

Substance Abuse/Addiction on Brain Development
From 12 to 18 years of age the use of alcohol and drugs rises tremendously. This rise in substance use correlates with the fact that in 2009 23% of adolescents met the diagnostic criteria for substance use disorder by the age of 20 (Squeglia, L. M., Jacobus, J., & Tapert, S. F.,2009). The usage of alcohol and drugs during the adolescences years could possibly lead to the brain deviating from its normal route of maturation and key processes of brain development (Squeglia, L. M., Jacobus, J., & Tapert, S. F.,2009). There was a study conducted in which adolescents with an alcohol addiction and those who did not have an addition were tested

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