Substance addiction has become an important public health problem, the frequency of which increases day by day, and the age of use decreases to young ages.
While previously it was encountered mostly in middle and late adolescence, more recently it was encountered in early adolescence.
Although substance use is more common in people who are prone to or have some psychiatric disorders, it can also occur without any psychiatric disorder.
Contrary to popular belief, substance use is only seen in society. It is not a problem seen in areas with low socio-economic structure. It is a problem that can affect all segments of society.
Those with a low socioeconomic level have access to cheap and easily accessible items, while those with a high socioeconomic level have access to expensive and difficult to obtain items.
That's why every adolescent is at risk for substance use. But some adolescents are at much higher risk.
Common characteristics of adolescents who are more at risk in terms of substance use
1. Adolescent who has not been able to establish a healthy relationship with his family since childhood
2. Adolescent with a family history of substance use
3. Adolescent growing up in a broken family
4. Adolescent exposed to neglect or abuse within the family
5. Adolescent who grew up in an overly strict, indifferent or tolerant family
6. Adolescent who has low self-confidence, is introvert, and cannot socialize sufficiently
7. Adolescent with untreated psychiatric problems
ADHD, Behavior Problems, Learning Disabilities, Mood disorders
8. Adolescent who is easily influenced by his friends
What symptoms are seen in adolescents who use substances?
1. Very frequent mood changes,
. Extreme irritability, tension, tantrums
. One day he is very happy, joyful and enthusiastic, and the next day he is the opposite, depressed, unhappy and tired.
2. Significant change in mood; While he used to be very respectful, harmonious and responsible, he suddenly turns into a disrespectful, incompatible, problematic person.
3. Wanting to spend time in his own room to the point of spending almost no time with the family.
4. Desire to go out frequently, at inappropriate times. Reacting exaggeratedly when the request to go out is not accepted.
5. Do not run away from home or come home late. Don't skip school.
6. Inappropriate circle of friends.
7. Recent psychiatric conditions. Strange behavior and way of thinking, obsessions, sleep and appetite problems, suspiciousness, paranoia, aggression, harming oneself and others, exaggerated anxiety and fear, hallucination
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