Studies indicate that the regular intake of drugs affects the functioning of the brain. Drugs are addictive substances. Unless one takes concrete steps towards giving up the habit of its use or consumption, it develops into a stubborn habit. Apart from health complications, it can also land one behind the bars in cases such as driving under influence (DUI). In the United States, a considerable number of drug addicts stand in the dock due to DUI and get in touch with a drunk driving defense attorney to defend it.
The sooner one quits drugs the better. “An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure”, as the saying goes.
This post will outline the best strategy to counter the instinct of taking drugs and thus, overcome the challenge of drug addiction.
What increases the tendency of using drugs in teenagers and adults?
Drug abuse is an issue that affects both teenagers and adults alike. The former is more likely to come under its influence than the latter. It is believed that the tendency of taking drugs starts during the days of high school as it is the time when one comes under more drugs or those who are addicted to it.
Family pressure, the movement to a new school, and the failure to cope with academic pressure are some of the primary reasons due to which teens take to the consumption of drugs. Besides, the changing social situation at the time of the transition of adolescents also plays an important role in their tendency to use drugs.
Likewise, adults also face financial pressure, family issues, and job loss due to which they oftentimes go into depression. In such situations, they consider the use of a drug as the ideal solution to keep those thoughts out of their mind.
Some teens or adults also consider the idea of trying out drugs due to their characteristic trait of being adventurous. Such people consider it normal to take risks. While there is no harm in trying out new things, it oftentimes lands them into dangerous activities such as the use of drugs or drug abuse which can have serious ramifications for their future life and career.
Studies have established that the decision-making component of the human brain develops in ones’ early or mid-20s. As such, younger people are at a higher risk of drug consumption than those who are in their early 30s. Younger people are more prone to submitting themselves to peer pressure than those who belong to the latter group.
When one takes drugs during the phase of brain development, it affects the critical areas linked to behavior control, judgment, learning, memory, and motivation. Due to this reason, students who are addicted to drugs fail to perform as per their expectations in academics and other aspects.
This accounts for the reason due to which drug such people end up in the courtroom with defense attorneys defending their case.
This apart, such students also face other challenges such as the juvenile justice system and health issues.
The role of research-based programs in the prevention of drug addiction in youth
Fortunately, scientists, through their hard work and research, have come up with some programs that help strike the right balance between protective factors and risks on a positive note. These are linked to the use of drugs in communities, schools, and even families.
Research-based programs have been playing a vital role in reducing the early use of drugs. Such programs seek to heighten the level of awareness among parents, community leaders and educators to the serious repercussions of using drugs in terms of one’s physical and mental development.
Notwithstanding the far-reaching consequences socio-cultural factors, awareness is an important tool that educates teenagers and youngsters alike. It deters them from using drugs. Even if they use it, an enlightened individual will do everything possible to limit their dependency on it up to a safe level.
How research-based programs aid the prevention of drugs
Research-based programs benefit an individual in two ways: it minimizes the risk factors relating to the use of drugs on one hand; it stimulates the protective factors on the other.
There are three types of research-based programs in connection with the prevention of drugs and substance abuse:
- Universal programs: it helps overcome the challenges due to protective and risk factors in settings such as a community or a school.
- Selective programs: it lends a helping hand to address specific factors that increase the possibility of drug use.
- Indicated programs: it is for youngsters who are addicted to drugs.
Final thoughts
Drug and substance abuse is a serious challenge for teenagers and youngsters. Apart from emotional and health complications, it also increases the chances of getting DUI. If a teenager gets into such a legal hassle, only an underage drinking attorney can help minimize their problem.
While teenagers and young people are more prone to getting into drug addiction, drugs affect individuals of all age groups. Giving up the dependency on drugs is the sure-fire way to prevent complications to both the brain and the body. More importantly, it will minimize your chances of getting a DUI and spending a hefty amount of money on one of the lawyers for drunk driving for defending your case in the court of law.
