While not everyone agrees on what constitutes an addiction, in general it is recognized that an addiction can be to any substance (for example alcohol, amphetamines, cocaine, nicotine, opioids, sedatives, hallucinogens, inhalants, cannabis, phencyclidine, caffeine, and a wide variety of other substances), which, when ingested, cross the blood-brain barrier and alter the natural chemical behavior of the brain. It is also accepted that addiction includes dependency on "things" as well as substances, such things as gambling, eating, sex and pornography.
In general, the term addiction, as defined by the DSM 1V-TR of the American Psychiatric Association (APA), describes a chronic pattern of behaviour that continues despite negative consequences …show more content…
The family environment is also important: Violence, physical or emotional abuse, mental illness, or drug use in the household increase the likelihood an adolescent will use drugs. Finally, an adolescent’s inherited genetic vulnerability; personality traits like poor impulse control or a high need for excitement; mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, or ADHD; and beliefs such as that drugs are “cool” or harmless make it more likely that an adolescent will use drugs. Among some of the common reasons why teenagers start to take on drugs is because they want to fit in. When it comes to saying no to drugs, the hardest people to say no to are your friends. Everyone faces peer pressure at one time or another. No one wants to be the only one not participating or left out. So they make this bad decision to take up drugs and at the same time, cover-up their insecurities. According to the Parenting SA association most teenagers often rely on friends to tell them what to expect from a drug and are often misled by inaccurate information. They don't think about how drugs can isolate them from their family and risk losing the important friends in their lives. According to another cause for drug abuse is that some people turn to drugs not so much for themselves, but to make a statement against someone else, such as their families or society in general. Somehow taking drugs as a form of rebellion makes them outlaws or more
In general, the term addiction, as defined by the DSM 1V-TR of the American Psychiatric Association (APA), describes a chronic pattern of behaviour that continues despite negative consequences …show more content…
The family environment is also important: Violence, physical or emotional abuse, mental illness, or drug use in the household increase the likelihood an adolescent will use drugs. Finally, an adolescent’s inherited genetic vulnerability; personality traits like poor impulse control or a high need for excitement; mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, or ADHD; and beliefs such as that drugs are “cool” or harmless make it more likely that an adolescent will use drugs. Among some of the common reasons why teenagers start to take on drugs is because they want to fit in. When it comes to saying no to drugs, the hardest people to say no to are your friends. Everyone faces peer pressure at one time or another. No one wants to be the only one not participating or left out. So they make this bad decision to take up drugs and at the same time, cover-up their insecurities. According to the Parenting SA association most teenagers often rely on friends to tell them what to expect from a drug and are often misled by inaccurate information. They don't think about how drugs can isolate them from their family and risk losing the important friends in their lives. According to another cause for drug abuse is that some people turn to drugs not so much for themselves, but to make a statement against someone else, such as their families or society in general. Somehow taking drugs as a form of rebellion makes them outlaws or more