Discuss the four types of substance use in adolescence and be able to give an example of each. Which are associated with greater risk of poor outcomes? Why? Which might be less of a concern? Why?

 

Substance abuse is basically taking in and making use of drug in a not legal way. These could be alcohol, prescription drugs, other legal substances like cocaine, marijuana ad cigarettes or any tobacco products. Substance abuse behavior can still be change and they can quit to unwanted behavior. Unlike addiction which is already a disease and cannot just be easily avoided and stopped over time.

Alcohol's effect if consumed much can affect the liver. Many resort to taking in alcohol to relieve stress and cope with a difficult situation. Alcohol can include beer, wine, vodka among others which are consumed most especially in an uncontrollable amount. Much of the alcohol content in the body can affect one's way of thinking, reactions to physical stimuli and even become unconscious and temporarily passed out.

OTC medicine is also another popular use of young people for abuse. These prescribe drugs may not really be meant for them which they just use. Mostly abused OTC drugs are colds and cough medication which could be easily accessed and bought. The effect of the cold and cough drugs can make you feel drunk and intoxicated. Taking in drugs may it be legal and illegal both have effects to our body and to our system. It could affect both our thinking patterns and behavior based from how much we use them most especially when not to the purpose of medication.

Cocaine, Heroin, marijuana would initially affect in a minimal manner like feeling happy, energetic and great but later on which much amount could make one feel worse and can lead to greater feeling of sadness, powerlessness and even depression. These substances except marijuana are being legalized in other states in the USA if its serves a purpose for medication and treatment.

Lastly, the abuse on the use of cigarettes and other tobacco products. Cigarette is one of a popular addiction because it basically gives a wanting and craving sensation which needs to be satisfied. Once the nicotine initially gives feeling of pleasure and zest but once this dies down, again the wanting occurs that cause it to be addictive.

The idea of substance abuse in itself is something which is not right and proper anymore. May the effect of the the substances is just minimal and not yet dangerous at first but can definitely lead the body, the mind and behavior not aligned or even the proper expression or feelings and emotions to be not validated or justified.

The problem of using them at first and once the effect dies down, the wanting of using and taking in again becomes a cycle and the habit is formed which is not proper and beneficial to the body and the mind.