Assignment: Addiction and Abuse in Adolescence

Assignment: Addiction and Abuse in Adolescence

Assignment: Addiction and Abuse in Adolescence Sample Paper

Carla Citarelli

Liberty University

Introduction

Adolescence is a time of great learning, exponential growth and experiences which will likely shape a person’s life into adulthood. It is also a time of experimentation which can lead to addiction. For those teens that endure abuse, the outcome may be comparatively detrimental. Fortunately, spiritual development may play a positive role in the outcome of otherwise dire situations.

Addiction and Abuse in Adolescence

The brain is the most complex organ in the human body. Because it is mostly studied post mordem, there are complexities that present themselves that cannot be explained at this time. However, in recent decades, much has been learned about the brain that does help to enlighten some developments and behaviors. One way we can explore this is through the study of neuroscience. Neuroscience allows a closer look at the workings of the brain and has already begun to shed light on how the brain develops. It has been found that the prefrontal cortex does not fully develop until after adolescence. According to Feldman,

one specific area of the brain that undergoes considerable development throughout adolescence is the the prefontal cortex. The prefrontal cortex is the part of the brain that allows people to think, evaluate, and make complex judgments in a uniquely human way. (2014, p. 358).

Due to this changing and developing part of the brain, it is conceded that adolescents may have trouble controlling their impulses and make irrational decisions. Often, those irrational decisions have negative consequences. Frequently, because of their impressionable minds, teenagers fall victim to temptation that leads into drug and alcohol addictions. Addiction is the dependence on a substance. Those substances include alcohol, illicit drugs, prescription drugs or even nicotine. Teens often make the rash decision to try things without a thought of the consequences.

Without considering addiction, they will try aforementioned substances, thinking that it will only be once or that they can quit whenever they decide to do so. Once an adolescent is addicted to a substance, it can begin to affect the brain in possibly the most critical period of development. Therefore, it could very likely affect how the brain develops.

Like addiction, abuse can also affect the developing adolescent brain. Researchers at Yale University found that “Among girls, abuse was more likely to affect areas of the brain involved in emotional regulation, while in boys with similar experiences it was more likely to affect areas of the brain believed to be involved in impulse control.” (Anonymous, p. 41). The consequences experienced from addictions and abuse can be life altering for adolescents in a very negative way. It is also evident that abuse may lead to addiction. For teens who experience one or both. spirituality may be the solution.

According to Roehlkepartain, King, Wagener and Benson, spirituality may play an important role in encouraging the positive development teens need during a critical point of development within their lives. (Roehlkepartain, King, Wagener & Benson, (2006, p. 61). Adolescents are extremely impressionable due to the underdevelopment of the prefrontal cortex that they need a significant model in their lives. That role model and guidance can be found through God and experienced through their spirituality. God gives people an opportunity to depend on Him instead of other things found in this world. He tells us “I am the vine; you are the branches.

If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit;apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 5:15, NIV). This offer is available to all, no matter the circumstances or past one has been dealt. In my own area, there is very little report of alcohol and drug use. The few reports heard often involve the youth’s parents as well. In those cases, the paths of addiction and abuse are merged together. In those cases, spiritual intervention would likely lead to a positive outcome.

Conclusion

Abuse and addiction during adolescence is a problem faced by many and warrants further study about the implications of such on the developing brain. Futhermore, with the help of neuroscience, adolescents might find a great benefit in discovering how spiritual growth can lead to a healthier lifestyle in which the brain is allowed to fully develop and reverse the effects of abuse and addiction.

References

Extensive effects of abuse. (2012, 04). Leadership for Student Activities, 40, 41. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/963552439?accountid=12085.

Feldman, Gerald. (2014). Physical and cognitive development in adolescence. Development Across the Life Span. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Person Education, Inc.