Drug Abuse.edited.edited

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1 Drug Abuse Korpo Johnson Criminological Theory (CRJS 426W) Professor Gray 11/30/2023

2 Drug Abuse Embarking on the precipice of adulthood, adolescents navigate a terrain rife with complexities and pivotal moments that shape their trajectories. Among the myriad challenges faced during this transformative period, drug abuse emerges as a formidable threat, casting shadows on the prospects of a healthy transition to adulthood. The vulnerability of adolescents to the siren call of substances is embedded in the social fabric, woven with threads of rebellion, peer pressure, curiosity, and an innate desire for experimentation (Nawi et al., 2021). As these young individuals grapple with societal expectations and personal identity, the risks associated with early drug initiation reverberate, hindering not only their immediate well-being but also impeding the successful navigation of the arduous journey to maturity. This paper embarks on an exploration of the multifaceted causes of drug addiction among adolescents, aiming to unravel the intricate dynamics and carve a path toward interventions that resonate with the unique challenges faced by this demographic. The vulnerability of adolescents to the allure of drug abuse is intricately linked to the societal pressures they encounter. Rebellion against authority, a natural inclination during this phase, often finds expression through substance experimentation. Peer pressure is a potent influence on teenage behavior that can lead people to make unsafe choices, such as starting drugs. Furthermore, adolescents' natural curiosity and propensity for experimentation combine to form a potent concoction of risk factors (Nawi et al., 2023). Determining the complex reasons behind teenage drug usage requires an understanding of the intersectionality of these societal pressures. This paper aims to dissect the intricate interplay between societal expectations and the vulnerability of adolescents, shedding light on the external forces that contribute to their susceptibility to substance use.

3 While the lethal nature of certain substances, such as fentanyl and opioids, has been acknowledged, a deeper exploration of their broader impacts on adolescent development is warranted. Beyond the immediate risk of death, these substances pose insidious threats to cognitive development, mental health, and overall well-being. The paper delves into the specific cognitive and psychological ramifications of exposure to lethal substances during adolescence. By illuminating the multifaceted consequences, from impaired cognitive skills to mental health challenges, the aim is to underscore the urgency of addressing the issue not only from a mortality perspective but also as a critical factor influencing the trajectory of adolescent lives. By investigating these issues, the study hopes to broaden the conversation about the effects of deadly drugs and advance a more comprehensive comprehension of the problems associated with drug abuse in adolescence. Overview of Drug Abuse among Adolescents Children are more likely to take drugs at the sensitive time of adolescence. The teenage years are thought to be the time when drug use first begins, and young adulthood is when it peaks. This stage of life is marked by social influences that exacerbate the likelihood of drug addiction, including peer pressure, rebellion, curiosity, and the need to try new things. However, the adverse effects of early drug use, such as mental health issues and cognitive impairment, make it more difficult for a person to transition into adulthood successfully. Adolescents are more likely to die because drugs like fentanyl and opioids are deadly in small quantities. Furthermore, injectable drug use is a significant contributing factor to the spread of HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis C. In order to limit future harm, it is imperative to research the primary causes of drug addiction in young people.

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4 Researchers studying the nervous system have shown that drug exposure over time leads to addiction. An endogenous opioid system in the brain creates goal-directed activities and serves as a rational decision-making framework. However, medications add dopamine to the body, changing brain neurons both directly and indirectly (Volkow et al., 2019). As a result, victims develop compulsive drug-seeking and-taking behaviors without taking into account the negative consequences. Drugs change the rewards circuit in the brain, which makes it less sensitive to controlling emotions. Predictive cues produced by drug-linked stimuli lead to addiction. For instance, because alcohol use and reward are paired, drinking for pleasure raises the likelihood of addiction. Drug abuse also includes using prescription medications for uses other than those recommended by medical professionals. Addiction risk increases, for instance, when taking higher dosages of painkillers or inhaling crushed tablets. According to the worldwide burden of disease, alcohol misuse ranks fourth among age groups between 10 and 24 for causes of disability. Young guys are more likely than the overall population in ASEAN countries to take drugs. For instance, according to Kugbey (2023), five Asian countries state that 0.9% of school-aged adolescents have used cannabis in their lives, while 1% are hooked to amphetamines. Furthermore, compared to the broader population, high school kids have greater access to psychoactive substances. In the US, nicotine, alcohol, tobacco, and vaping are the most often abused substances among young people over the age of twelve. Over 54.7 million young people use e-cigarettes, while 133.1 million adults drink alcohol, according to the 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (Substance Abuse, 2022). From smokeless tobacco products to smokes Addiction to drugs is a severe issue among young people, primarily because of peer pressure and mental health issues. Drug use among young people is a kind of rebellion against authority or

5 belonging. Adolescent drug users might want to identify with the popular culture that the media portrays (Hudgins et al., 2019). Social network influence is a significant factor in normative substance abuse because people who belong to the same clique tend to make similar decisions. Individual variables that lead to drug abuse include friends who consume alcohol or smoke. Drug use during adolescent development is a common practice among young people who want to feel more confident so they can take chances or engage in exciting activities. Adolescents with mental health issues turn to drugs as a way to entertain themselves, decompress, or evoke pleasant feelings. Adolescents who grow up in settings where selling and images of illegal drugs are accepted report starting medications at a young age. Criminology theory to be Utilized Standardized findings regarding essential claims based on location and time are obtained from cross-generational drug abuse analysis. Thus, social learning and control theories will provide a thorough framework for problems related to teenage drug use (Krohn et al., 2016). In order to facilitate the development of effective prevention programs, the two theories will combine generalized insights by concentrating on the adolescent generation. The two theories will center on factors that are relevant to multiple generations and both protective and risk for drug addiction. The mediating influences that propel behavior continuity throughout an individual's lifetime will be strengthened by concentrating on intergenerational extensions. Social Learning Theory In the realm of criminology, Social Learning Theory serves as a guiding framework that illuminates the intricate interplay between societal structures and individual behaviors. This foundational theory, expounded by Brunborg, Skogen, and Andreas (2022), posits that society functions as a complex system where social interactions within communities or groups become

6 instrumental in shaping conduct. The theory underscores the crucial role of the environment as a learning platform, actively influencing individuals through the approval or disapproval of specific behaviors. For instance, it delineates how Muslim communities, by sanctioning vices like drinking, introduce stimuli attached to punishing behaviors, dissuading engagement in such practices. Conversely, in more permissive societies, where certain evils may be deemed desirable, adolescents face a higher probability of participating in deviant behaviors like excessive drinking. At the core of Social Learning Theory lies the concept of environmental learning platforms, mechanisms through which individuals observe, imitate, and internalize behaviors sanctioned or discouraged by their surroundings (Akers & Jennings, 2019). This theory asserts that exposure to behaviors, coupled with the consequences attached to them, significantly influences the likelihood of individuals replicating similar actions. Within the context of adolescent behaviors, the theory provides a nuanced lens through which to comprehend the dynamics of deviance. Environmental cues and reinforcements, whether punitive or rewarding, play a pivotal role in shaping the choices adolescents make within their social contexts. The theory, therefore, lays the groundwork for understanding the sociocultural forces that contribute to the prevalence of certain behaviors among adolescents, offering a comprehensive perspective. Differential reinforcements, a central idea in Social Learning Theory, holds that behaviors are learned via a process involving rewards and punishments. Individuals are more likely to adopt behaviors that are positively reinforced or have positive outcomes, according to this theoretical framework. Social Learning Theory explains that common vices in society are frequently those that are viewed as desirable or that receive positive reinforcement when it comes to teenage behavior (Akers & Jennings, 2019). This idea makes it easier to comprehend why some

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7 behaviors—like smoking and drinking alcohol—might be more prevalent among particular demographic groups. The theory clarifies, for instance, why boys in European nations might have a stronger propensity than girls to smoke and drink because they might be given positive reinforcement. Social Learning Theory is a useful analytical tool for navigating the intricate relationship between societal structures and deviant behaviors in the more extensive investigation of adolescent substance use. This theory gives an in-depth understanding of the role of differential reinforcements and environmental learning platforms, which helps to explain the societal factors that lead to teenage drug and alcohol abuse. Through the lens of Social Learning Theory, researchers aim to untangle the intricate connections between societal structures, environmental cues, and the prevalence of deviant behaviors among adolescents, ultimately seeking to inform effective interventions within the realm of adolescent substance use. Social Control Theory Embedded within the fabric of criminological discourse, Social Control Theory asserts that adolescence, marked by inherent rebellious tendencies, often witnesses an increase in proclivities towards deviant behaviors. As expounded by Wu et al. (2020), this theoretical framework contends that peer pressure becomes a potent force during this developmental stage, compelling youths to conform to social institutions that may promote antisocial behaviors. In the context of adolescent substance use, Social Control Theory delineates how the strength of values and family relationships plays a pivotal role in influencing the resistance to drug cues. Central to Social Control Theory is the idea that robust social bonds, particularly within the family unit or religious facilities, serve as protective factors against engagement in deviant acts (Costello & Laub, 2020). Strong values instilled within familial relationships become a bulwark

8 against succumbing to the allure of drugs. Conversely, weakened social bonds, often witnessed in broken homes or among individuals grappling with stressors like low academic performance, contribute to the vulnerability of adolescents towards heavy drinking and drug abuse. The theory posits that in the absence of these protective social structures, youths may resort to substances as a coping mechanism. Within the realm of educational institutions, Social Control Theory further underscores the significance of school bonds in shaping adolescent behavior. Positive interactions with teachers, coupled with proactive academic monitoring, are posited as deterrents to drug use. This aspect of the theory emphasizes the role of the school environment in fostering a sense of belonging and supervision, which, in turn, acts as a counterforce against the pull of deviant behaviors among adolescents (Costello & Laub, 2020). In essence, Social Control Theory provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the intricate dynamics that contribute to adolescent deviance, particularly in the context of substance use. By elucidating the impact of social bonds, peer pressure, and school environments on teenage behavior, this theoretical perspective offers insights into the preventive measures and interventions that can be implemented to mitigate the risks associated with drug abuse among youths. Conclusion In order to minimize future harm, it is imperative to research the significant factors that contribute to drug addiction in young people. When someone is addicted to drugs, either from extreme dependence or withdrawal symptoms, compulsive traits take over their behaviors. Social learning theory and social control theory, in particular, are two critical criminological theories. The duration and quality of relationships are crucial in influencing adolescents' positive perceptions of drug use, as highlighted by the Social Learning Theory. Conversely, Social

9 Control Theory underscores the protective influence of strong institutional bonds, reducing the risk of relapse and engagement in deviant behaviors. A comprehensive approach, informed by these theories, is vital for designing interventions that address the root causes, ranging from peer influences to the strength of institutional connections, thereby paving the way for effective strategies in safeguarding the well-being and future trajectories of the youth grappling with the complexities of substance abuse. References

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10 Akers, R. L., & Jennings, W. G. (2019). The social learning theory of crime and deviance. Handbook on crime and deviance, 113-129. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-20779-3_6 Brunborg, G. S., Skogen, J. C., & Andreas, J. B. (2022). Time spent on social media and alcohol use among adolescents: A longitudinal study. Addictive Behaviors, 130, 107294. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0306460322000600 Costello, B. J., & Laub, J. H. (2020). Social control theory: The legacy of Travis Hirschi's causes of delinquency. Annual Review of Criminology, 3, 21-41. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-criminol-011419-041527 Hudgins, J. D., Porter, J. J., Monuteaux, M. C., & Bourgeois, F. T. (2019). Prescription opioid use and misuse among adolescents and young adults in the United States: A national survey study. PLoS medicine, 16(11), e1002922. https://journals.plos.org/plosmedicine/article?id=10.1371/journal.pmed.1002922 Krohn, M. D., Loughran, T. A., Thornberry, T. P., Jang, D. W., Freeman-Gallant, A., & Castro, E. D. (2016). Explaining adolescent drug use in adjacent generations: Testing the generality of theoretical explanations. Journal of Drug Issues, 46(4), 373–395. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5198900/ Kugbey, N. (2023). Prevalence and correlates of substance use among school-going adolescents (11-18 years) in eight Sub-Saharan African countries. Substance abuse treatment, prevention, and policy, 18(1), 1- 9.https://substanceabusepolicy.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13011-023-005 42-1 Nawi, A. M., Ismail, R., Ibrahim, F., Hassan, M. R., Manaf, M. R. A., Amit, N., ... & Shafurdin, N. S. (2021). Risk and protective factors of drug abuse among adolescents: a systematic

11 review. BMC Public Health, 21(1), 1–15. https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-021-11906-2 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2022). Essential substance use and mental health indicators in the United States: Results from the 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (HHS et al.. PEP22-07-01-005, NSDUH Series H-57). Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/reports/rpt39443/2021NSDUHFFRRe v010323.pdf Volkow, N. D., Michaelides, M., & Baler, R. (2019). The neuroscience of drug reward and addiction. Physiological reviews, 99(4), 2115-2140. https://journals.physiology.org/doi/pdf/10.1152/physrev.00014.2018 Wu, G., Liu, J., Boateng, F., Cui, S., & Shuai. (2020). Do Social Bonds Matter? Social Control Theory and Its Relationship to Desistance From Substance Abuse in China Guangzhou. Journal of Drug Issues. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/344239028

Drug Abuse.edited.edited

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