Drugs Abuse by Adolescents

Addictions of psychoactive drugs are widespread in adolescents. The consequences of use are severe, including an increased risk of serious drug abuse later in life, high-risk sexual activity, unsafe sex, unplanned pregnancy, a decline in academic performance, injuries, criminal justice involvement, school dropout, and death. The cessation of drug consumption does not occur with the simple intention or the firm’s decision. Psychoactive drugs change the brain in such a way that they encourage compulsive abuse. The risk of developing drug addiction is influenced by factors that include the biological constitution, the social environment, and the age or stage of development. Alcohol consumption is the most frequent in the adolescents, followed in frequency by marijuana consumption. These consumptions are already present in eighth grades. Some psychoactive drugs, such as alcohol, cocaine, and methamphetamines, can promote violent behaviors. The abuse of psychoactive drugs augments the risks of suicide. Overdoses of legal and illegal psychoactive drugs provoke hundreds of thousands of deaths worldwide. A fundamental element to avoid using drugs is a responsible attitude towards oneself and others. Parents, friends, and teachers can recognize drug abuse and help the adolescent to stop it. Addiction is a profound transformation of autopoiesis, homeostasis, and homeorhesis processes. The abuse of drugs alters the psychological mechanisms of self-building (autopoiesis) and changes stability (homeostasis) by guiding the behavior toward the search for the drug.