Substance abuse among children is a prevalent, multifaceted issue, influenced by genetics and family upbringing in some cases, yet largely triggered by exposure during adolescence. Other factors, such as poverty, lack of awareness about the consequences, and peer pressure, further contribute to this problem. It is thus crucial to effectively address this issue by recognizing warning signs early on. Health professionals, teachers, and parents should be involved in educating children, as well as supporting and providing them with necessary assistance.
Definition and implications of substance abuse
The term “substance” in this context refers to any psychoactive compound capable of causing health and social issues, including addiction. These substances encompass a wide range of legal ones such as alcohol and tobacco, illegal substances like heroin and cocaine, and controlled substances prescribed by licensed professionals for medical purposes (McLellan A. T, 2017).
In 2010, the average global alcohol consumption per person aged fifteen or older was 6.2 liters of pure alcohol, with approximately a quarter of this consumption being unrecorded. About 16.0% of individuals aged fifteen or older who consume alcohol engage in heavy episodic drinking (WHO, n.d.). According to The Statistics Portal for Market Data, Market Research and Market Studies, the global volume of the alcoholic drinks market is projected to rise steadily between 2023 and 2027 (Statista, 2023).
Global trends and emerging concerns in substance use
Countries with higher economic wealth tend to have higher alcohol consumption rates and fewer abstainers, with high-income nations showing the highest alcohol consumption per capita and more prevalent heavy episodic drinking among drinkers (WHO, n.d.). In the United States, alcohol use in adolescence is a prevalent concern, with adolescents often engaging in frequent alcohol consumption, notably through binge drinking where they consume more than five drinks on a single occasion (Office of Population Affairs, n.d.).
Similarly, the emerging popularity of vaping devices, used for inhaling nicotine or marijuana presents novel challenges. However, the full health implications of these devices remain unclear, making the situation complex to navigate and understand (Office of Population Affairs, n.d.).
The European Union is also gravely concerned about the exploitation of young individuals by drug gangs, comparing their situation to that of child soldiers. The Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs (DG HOME) highlighted the rising involvement of youths in a flourishing and brutal drug trade with statistics revealing that half of the homicides and violent crimes in the European Union are drug-related (O’Carroll L, 2023).
While data suggests a stable or decreasing trend in illicit drug use among young individuals, recent studies reveal a troubling rise in overdose fatalities, notably among those aged between fourteen and eighteen. This surge in deaths is predominantly attributed to illicit fentanyl, a potent synthetic substance found in counterfeit pills resembling prescription medications like ADHD drugs and opioids. Unfortunately, young people are often not adequately informed about the potentially lethal presence of fentanyl in these pills. (National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2022).
Types of addictions in children
Addictions can be categorized into several types, each impacting children differently. Recognizing these categories can help caregivers, educators, and health professionals identify specific issues and tailor interventions accordingly.
1. Substance Addictions
Alcohol
Underage drinking is a prevalent issue among adolescents, often driven by peer pressure, social media influence, and the desire for experimentation. Regular alcohol consumption at a young age can lead to dependency, negatively affecting physical and mental health. Alcohol addiction in adolescents is associated with poor academic performance, risky behavior, and potential long-term health issues such as liver damage.
Tobacco and nicotine
The rise of vaping and e-cigarettes has introduced new, accessible forms of nicotine to young people, often marketed with appealing flavors and designs. While e-cigarettes are sometimes seen as less harmful than traditional smoking, they can still lead to nicotine addiction, with potential long-term consequences like respiratory problems, cardiovascular issues, and increased likelihood of transitioning to conventional cigarettes.
Illegal drugs
This category includes a range of substances such as marijuana, cocaine, heroin, and increasingly, synthetic drugs like fentanyl. Experimenting with these drugs can expose adolescents to serious health risks, addiction, and even death. Involvement in drug use may increase exposure to crime and violence, with traffickers often targeting vulnerable young people.
Prescription medications
Medications like opioids (for pain relief) or stimulants (for attention disorders) are prescribed for legitimate medical reasons, but misuse can quickly lead to addiction. In adolescents, these drugs may be accessed through family prescriptions or peers and used recreationally or as study aids. Misuse can result in serious health consequences, dependency, and risk of overdose, particularly with opioids.
2. Behavioral addictions
Gaming addiction
Excessive gaming can have a significant impact on a young person’s development, leading to decreased interest in academics, social withdrawal, and physical health issues such as eye strain or poor posture. Gaming addiction is often characterized by a preoccupation with gaming, difficulty controlling time spent gaming, and continuing to game despite negative consequences.
Internet and social media addiction
Smartphones and social media are an integral part of many adolescents’ lives, but excessive use can lead to addictive behaviors. This addiction can negatively impact mental health, self-esteem, and real-life relationships. Adolescents may feel pressured to curate their lives for online validation, resulting in anxiety, depression, and feelings of isolation.
Gambling
Although gambling is less common among young children, adolescents are increasingly exposed to gambling, both online and offline, such as through sports betting and games with loot boxes that mimic gambling. This can lead to a cycle of loss and dependency, impacting mental well-being, and in some cases, causing financial issues.
3. Food addictions
Overeating or binge eating
For some adolescents, food becomes a way to cope with emotions, which can lead to overeating or binge eating. This behavior can contribute to obesity, low self-esteem, and other physical health issues, such as diabetes and cardiovascular problems. Understanding the psychological factors that lead to emotional eating, such as stress or lack of coping mechanisms, is important in developing healthier relationships with food.
Eating disorders
Conditions such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder often emerge during adolescence, driven by societal pressures, mental health challenges, and distorted body image perceptions. These disorders can have serious, even life-threatening, consequences, including malnutrition, organ damage, and severe mental health struggles
4. Impulse control disorders
Compulsive shopping
Compulsive shopping, also known as shopping addiction, is an uncontrollable urge to shop and spend money, often on items that aren’t necessary or affordable. In children and adolescents, this can manifest as frequent purchases of toys, clothes, or gadgets, often beyond what they need or can use. This behavior is sometimes used as a way to cope with emotions like boredom, sadness, or stress.
Compulsive hoarding
Compulsive hoarding is the excessive collection and unwillingness to discard items, regardless of their actual value. Although it’s less common in children, some may start to show hoarding tendencies at an early age, which can make daily life challenging. For example, they might accumulate toys, papers, or random objects to the point where it clutters their living space and disrupts their ability to focus or stay organized.
Gaining insight into substance misuse among the young
Adolescence, a transitional phase exposing individuals to various temptations, including alcohol and drugs, often involves a desire to experiment and rebel. However, many young people may not realize the inherent dangers, leading to a potential for alcohol addiction and substance abuse. Alarming statistics reveal that 24% of eleven to fifteen-year-olds have experimented with drugs and alcohol (Albuquerque N, 2023). Additionally, genetics contribute significantly, accounting for 40% to 70% of the risk associated with developing health issues linked to addiction.
Environmental factors like familial substance use, the community setting, and the educational environment also influence susceptibility. Furthermore, risks are amplified by factors such as mental illnesses, adverse childhood experiences, and poor living conditions (McLellan A. T, 2017).
Childhood substance abuse is particularly devastating for children due to its profound and lasting impacts. The dangers associated with substance abuse during childhood encompass a wide spectrum of health risks that affect not only their immediate well-being but also their long-term development and overall quality of life (Albuquerque N, 2023).
Recognizing early warning signs of substance misuse
Recognizing addiction in children involves being vigilant for several warning signs that might indicate their involvement with drugs or alcohol. These signs include a decline in academic performance, frequent absenteeism from school, physical changes such as red or bloodshot eyes, changes in friendships, altered sleeping or eating habits, as well as complaints like nausea or fatigue (Albuquerque N, 2023).
Various behavioral changes, such as sudden alterations in behavior or mood could also be common indicators for potential teenage substance overuse. Teenagers may also exhibit unpredictable or violent behavior, lack of motivation, mood instability, and adopt unusual habits (Ali S. et al., 2011). Acting on these concerns at an early stage can significantly facilitate their recovery process.
Additionally, smelling alcohol or cannabis on their breath and detecting other substances’ smells may indicate potential substance abuse. Identifying and acknowledging these warning signs promptly is crucial, as addiction among children is not merely a phase. (Albuquerque N, 2023). If any of these signs are noticed, seeking help and support is essential to assist the child in overcoming substance-related issues.
Proactive measures and interventions
Some measures have been taken by national governments to fight this issue. These include initiatives targeting cocaine smuggling, such as focusing on early recognition of recruitment indicators, establishing a European drug alert system, and improving intelligence sharing among ports. Additionally, efforts are underway to collaborate with Latin and Central American nations to confront criminal networks, negotiate information exchange agreements, and join forces with the United States to address synthetic drug threats and dismantle drug cartels (O’Carroll L, 2023).
However, there is a pressing need for individual governments to step up their efforts further. They should prioritize and actively engage in combating this critical concern within their own countries. More robust strategies, increased resources, and stronger collaborative efforts domestically are essential to effectively tackle the complexities associated with drug-related criminal activities.
Moreover, the importance of recognizing warning signs among guardians, educators, and healthcare providers cannot be overstated. Adopting a comprehensive approach that involves primary care practitioners and considers diverse vulnerabilities, demographics, and living conditions is essential in addressing this pressing concern (Ali S et al., 2011).
Incorporating this comprehensive approach into the wider scope of measures implemented by national governments is pivotal in effectively combating substance abuse and its associated criminal activities. It’s imperative to address substance addiction by understanding its underlying causes and advocating for professional rehabilitation guided by mental health experts (Carolina Center for Recovery, 2020).
Ultimately, aligning overarching governmental strategies with familial efforts can establish a more unified approach to addressing substance-related issues among youth. Recognizing the significance of parental involvement is crucial, given the risks linked to inadequate supervision and weak attachment to caregivers. By fostering effective communication, setting clear boundaries, and being attentive to potential risks, there’s an increased chance of steering young individuals toward healthier choices (Scott M. et al., 2019).
Written by Lidija Misic
Internally proofread by Aditi Partha
Last edited on December 7, 2023
Bibliography:
Albuquerque Nuno (2023), Recognising substance abuse in children. Retrieved from UK Addiction Treatment Centres at https://www.ukat.co.uk/help-guides/recognise-substance-abuse-for-children/. Accessed on December 4, 2023.
Ali Shahid et al. (2011), Early Detection of Illicit Drug Use in Teenagers. Retrieved from National Library of Medicine at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3257983/. Accessed on December 6, 2023.
Carolina Center for Recovery (2020), Understanding the Causes of Drug Addiction. Retrieved from Carolina Center for Recovery at https://carolinacenterforrecovery.com/addiction-blog/understanding-the-causes-of-drug-addiction/. Accessed on December 4, 2023.
McLellan A. Thomas (2017), Substance Misuse and Substance use Disorders: Why do they Matter in Healthcare? Retrieved from National Library of Medicine at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5525418/. Accessed on December 4, 2023.
National Institute on Drug Abuse (2022), Most reported substance use among adolescents held steady in 2022. Retrieved from National Institute on Drug Abuse at https://nida.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/2022/12/most-reported-substance-use-among-adolescents-held-steady-in-2022. Accessed on December 6, 2023.
O’Carroll Lisa (2023), EU warns of ‘child soldiers’ exploited by drug gangs. Retrieved from The Guardian at https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/19/eu-launches-crackdown-on-cocaine-smuggling. Accessed on December 7, 2023.
Office of Population Affairs (n.d.), Substance Use in Adolescence. Retrieved from Office of Population Affairs at https://opa.hhs.gov/adolescent-health/substance-use-adolescence. Accessed on December 6, 2023.
Scott Meagan et al. (2019), A Parent’s Role in Substance Use Prevention: Tips for Talking to Youth of All Ages. Retrieved from North Dakota State University at https://www.ndsu.edu/agriculture/extension/publications/parents-role-substance-use-prevention-tips-talking-youth-all-ages. Accessed on December 6, 2023.
Statista (2023), Volume of the alcoholic drinks market worldwide from 2014 to 2027. Retrieved from Statista at https://www.statista.com/forecasts/726990/alcoholic-beverage-consumption-worldwide. Accessed on December 7, 2023.
World Health Organization (n.d.), Substance Abuse. Retrieved from World Health Organization at https://www.afro.who.int/health-topics/substance-abuse. Accessed on December 6, 2023.
