In: Nursing
how they might improve their learning objectives
abuse amongst adolescents and how to promote good choices amongst this age group.
Learning Objectives:
Substance abuse
According to WHO
Substance abuse refers to the harmful or hazardous use of psychoactive substances, including alcohol and illicit drugs.
Stages of substance abuse
1.Experimentation
The first stage of substance abuse is also the most innocuous. Many
people’s first exposure begins as a social event. Teenagers may
drink or use substance due to peer group pressure for
experimentation the individuals may not be think to continue this
use
2. Regular use
Once a person has progressed past the experimentation phase,
regular use of drugs and alcohol ensues and gradually increase the
amount and dose of the substance and in this stage the usage may be
once in a week or week end
3. Risky use
With the onset of the third stage, serious collateral complications
begin to manifest as people’s normal lives clash with the
instability of substance abuse.Teenagers may see their grades fall
precipitously and their group of friends change drastically.
4. Dependence
The fourth stage of substance abuse is where things begin to take a
serious turn. Dependence means that while no physical changes have
taken place in the chemical makeup of the brain, people will
continue to drink and use drugs regardless of the impact to their
health, job, friends or anything else.nuerochemical changes
occur
5.Addiction
At the final stage, a chemical change has taken place within the body so no matter how hard people may try, giving up the substance of choice is almost impossible without help. People in this stage may experience sudden and intense cravings for drugs or alcohol and will act on these cravings until the go way
Reasons of use of substance abuse of peer group
Mental Consequences
Depression, anxiety, mood swings and psychosis. While psychosis is usually a direct result of drug use, depression, anxiety and mood swings
Physical Consequences
The Scrapes, bruises, track marks, lip burns, skin abscesses, contracting diseases increased tolerance, physical dependence on the drug and withdrawal symptoms are all physical consequences.
Social Consequences
The social consequences of addiction are usually the most talked about. Dropping out of school, job loss, hospitalizations.
Spiritual Consequences
Feeling hopeless, lonely, scared, guilty, ashamed, dishonest, perpetually unhappy and restless for no apparent reason.