Dealing with Rising Cases of Addiction in Youngsters

The Relationship Between Mental Health and Substance Usage

Mental health and addiction are closely linked. Oftentimes, addiction is an answer to coping with unresolved mental health issues stemming from anxiety, depression, or trauma. Since drugs and other substances are used as an escape from emotional difficulties, the relationship is particularly noticeable when it comes to drug misuse among young people.  

Unfortunately, avoiding stress can have the immediate impact of worsening mental health problems over time. This can develop into cycle reliance, which is extremely difficult to help someone break free from without treatment.  

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Different Types of Addictions Found in Youth/Adolescents

Addiction may not relate purely to drugs alone; instead, it encompasses a wide variety of behavioural addictions as well. Here are some of the common types of addictions among teenagers:

Substance Abuse

Addiction to substances primarily involves substance misuse of various products, including alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, illicit drugs, inhalants, and prescription drugs. In certain instances, it evolves into polysubstance addiction, a dependence on two or more substances at the same time.  

Drug addiction in Indian youth is on the rise and can severely disrupt brain chemistry, impairing their cognitive functions and causing gross harm to their health, both physical and mental.

Behavioural Addictions

Behavioural addictions, therefore, are those that do not involve substances. Instead, they relate to compulsive behaviours or habits. Examples include excessive gaming, social media use, gambling, or even shopping.  

At first glance, these behaviours may not seem to be really a cause for concern, but over time, they affect day-to-day life, put a strain on relationships, and cause emotional and psychological distress.

How To Find Out If Someone Is Struggling with Addiction?

Addiction can manifest differently; therefore, the signs of someone struggling with the addiction can vary. However, some of the most common symptoms or signs that one can look for are:

• Changes in behaviour, mood, or sleep patterns.

• Decline in academic or work performance.

• Withdrawal from friends or family.

• Avoidance or defensiveness.

• Not interested in the things they used to like before.

• Appearance changes.

It is important to keep the door open and non-judgmental to make them speak about their struggles.

Common Behavioural Addictions in Adolescents

However, not all behavioural youth addictions are the same and fall into a single category. But among the most prevalent behavioural addictions are

Gambling

Leads to mental health problems, strained relationships, and financial difficulties. It starts as a casual pursuit but can turn into a compulsive behaviour. Early interventions necessary to counter its adverse impacts.

Video Games

Interferes with studies, social life and time management skills. Excessive gaming also takes place with increasing aggression, sleep disturbances, and detachment from reality.

Internet Addiction

Excessive online use causes seclusion, anxiety, and depression. It creates unhealthy dependency and interferes with productivity.

Social Media

Continual scrolling impacts the mental health and personal relationships of adolescents. They develop an unhealthy quest for validation and comparison, reducing self-esteem.

Shopping Addiction

Leads to financial stress as well as emotional distress. Soon, it leads to feelings of guilt, regret, and long-term debt issues.

Exercise Addiction  

Such youth addiction can lead to injuries in the body and mental health issues. In the majority of cases, it may be a result of body image distortion and can worsen self-esteem.

Eating Disorders

Comprise binge-eating, bulimia, and anorexia and they are generally associated with compulsive behaviours in eating. They are major health-related disorders and require special treatment.

Causes of Teen Behavioural Addictions

There are several factors that contribute to teen behavioural addiction, such as:

• Peer pressure and social influences.

• Escape from stress, problems, or pressures of family or academics.

• Ease of access to digital platforms.

• Reward-driven dopamine response due to engaging content or activities.

Understanding these causes can lead to preventive measures at home and in schools.

Types of Substance Abuse

Among the types of addictions in youth, substance abuse remains one of the most concerning. Understanding these different forms of addiction, some of the most common ones include:

Alcohol

Alcohol is the most frequently used drug among teens. It can result in many complications, such as judgment, accidents, and alcohol poisoning.

Marijuana

Marijuana is the other commonly used drug by teens. They may get a disorder in their brain, coordination skills, and memory.

Tobacco

Tobacco cigarettes, as well as e-cigarettes, contain nicotine, which is highly addictive. Smoking can result in lung cancer as well as other critical health problems, such as heart disease.

Inhalants

These are substances that people inhale for a high. They lead to damage, heart problems, and sudden death.

Prescription drugs

Teens usually abuse prescription drugs that are obtained from friends or family members. These can lead to addiction and overdose. Even when prescribed, improper management can cause more harm than intended.

Illicit drugs

Illicit drugs such as cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine have a very high potential for addiction and, subsequently, health complications, including addiction, overdose, and death.  

What Is the Leading Cause of Drug Abuse in Youth?

Drug addiction in Indian youth can be caused by several factors, such as

• Peer pressure and the desire to fit in.

• Stress and lack of coping skills.

• Curiosity and exploration.

• Cultural or social pressures from media influences.

10 Signs of Process Addictions in Teenagers

Here are ten indicators of process addictions such as video games or social media for teens:

Excessive Time Spent

They invest too much time in the addictive behaviour with disregard to other duties that may include schoolwork, chores, or social interactions.

Impaired Functioning

Addiction affects the function in the performance related to academics, jobs, or relationships.

Withdrawal Symptoms

Teens display annoyance, worry, and depression if they are unable to engage in the addictive habit.

Tolerance

The adolescent needs to increase the intensity or frequency of the behaviour to achieve the same level of satisfaction.

Denial

They may deny or minimise the extent of their addiction even when confronted with evidence.

Secrecy

Most of the time, they become secretive about their behaviour, hiding it from family, friends, or close ones.  

Neglect of Personal Care

The teen would neglect personal hygiene, sleep, or nutrition due to excessive focus on addictive behaviour.

Financial Problems

The teen would spend way too much money on the addictive behaviour and end up facing financial difficulties.

Legal Issues

They would engage in illegal activities such as hacking or stealing to sustain their addiction.

Social Isolation

The adolescent may avoid social interaction and spend most of their time alone or in seclusion and indulge in addictive behaviour.

Impact of Addictions on Youth

Addictions, whether substance-related or behavioural, can greatly influence the physical, psychological, and social well-being of an individual. It is essential to recognise the signs and symptoms of addiction.  

Health Consequences  

Physical Health

• Addictions can lead to a variety of health problems, which include:

• Damage to organs such as the liver, heart, lungs, and brain.  

• Increase in injuries and accidents    

• Weakened immune system.  

• Malnutrition.  

• Infectious diseases through needle sharing or unsafe sexual practice    

Mental Health

Addictions are often accompanied by mental health disorders, which include:

• Depression  

• Anxiety  

• Mood disorders

• Suicidal thoughts and attempts    

Social and Emotional Consequences

Damaged Relationships

Drugs can cause separations in relationships with family, friends, and loved ones.    

Social Withdrawal

Adolescents may become reclusive and stop engaging in social activities.  

Legal Problems

Teens can be arrested and face delinquency through the juvenile justice system if they are involved with drugs or substances.

Academic Problems

Addiction involvement can lead to poorer grades, absences, academic failure, and, in the worst situations, school dropout.

Damaged Self-Esteem

The experience of addiction can lead to damage to self-esteem and feelings of shame and guilt.    

Long-Term Effects

Higher Risk in Later Life  

Exposure to addictive substances at an early age increases the chances that a substance use disorder will develop later in life.

Altered Brain Development

A person's brain development can be compromised, impairing cognitive skills of decision-making, problem-solving, and impulse control.    

Life Expectancy

Heavy substance abuse shortens a person's life expectancy due to serious health complications and accidents.    

Economic Cost

Addiction can lead to job loss, financial instability, and dependency on welfare systems.

What Measures can be taken to avoid such Addictions

Many people find addiction to be overpowering, which leads to a decline in general well-being and a loss of control over one's life. Thus, it becomes essential to educate preventive strategies for youth addiction.  

• Educating the young on the consequences of substance abuse.

• Facilitating open communication at home and school.

• Watching their online activities without intrusiveness.

• Developing skills to handle stress and build resilience.

• Development of a close-knit support group from family as well as friends.

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Approaches to Treatment: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Group Therapy

For both process and substance-related addictions, effective treatment requires professional therapy coupled with regular community support.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)  

CBT is an evidence-based approach that helps teenagers recognise and challenge harmful thought patterns that drive their addictive behaviours. Through practical strategies, CBT empowers them to acquire healthier ways of coping and improve decision-making ability. It's a systematic procedure for developing self-awareness and long-term behavioural change.

Group Therapy

Individuals share collective experiences, problems, and progress in a group setting. A group environment promotes a feeling of belonging, encourages them not to feel isolated, and challenges them to be accountable. For adolescents, it could be highly motivating and reassuring when their friends are going through the same problems.

When Should You Seek Professional Help

Do not wait for it to escalate when you or someone close to you are struggling with addiction. Early intervention is critical if one experiences the following:

• Dependency on substances or behaviours.

• Loss of control over the addiction.

• Physical health issues or deteriorating mental health.

How Can Cadabam's help?

Cadabam’s de-addiction program is designed by a team of professionals specialising in addiction. Our personalised treatment plan is supportive of long-term recovery and promotes progress at their own pace in a non-judgemental space.  

It includes evidence-based therapies such as CBT and group therapy in a state-of-the-art facility, family counselling and psychoeducation to understand the condition better, crisis support available for different addiction cases, and aftercare services to promote long-term recovery.  

If you are looking for a centre to help yourself or your loved one manage addiction, consult with our experts through a phone call at 096111 94949 or visit our official website https://www.cadabams.org/centre/anunitha

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