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Essay on Drug Abuse

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Essay on Drug Abuse in 150 words

Essay on drug abuse in 250-300 words, essay on drug abuse in 500-1000 words.

Drug abuse is a global issue that poses serious risks to individuals and society. It involves the harmful and excessive use of drugs, leading to physical and mental health problems. Drug abuse can result in addiction, organ damage, cognitive impairment, and social and economic difficulties. Prevention efforts should focus on education, raising awareness about the dangers of drug abuse, and promoting healthy lifestyles. Access to quality healthcare and addiction treatment services is crucial for recovery. Strengthening law enforcement measures against drug trafficking is necessary to address the supply side of the problem. Creating supportive environments and opportunities for positive engagement can help prevent drug abuse. By taking collective action, we can combat drug abuse and build healthier communities.

Drug abuse is a growing global concern that poses significant risks to individuals, families, and communities. It refers to the excessive and harmful use of drugs, both legal and illegal, that have negative effects on physical and mental health.

Drug abuse has severe consequences for individuals and society. Physically, drug abuse can lead to addiction, damage vital organs, and increase the risk of overdose. Mentally, it can cause cognitive impairment, and psychological disorders, and deteriorate overall well-being. Additionally, drug abuse often leads to social and economic problems, such as strained relationships, loss of employment, and criminal activities.

Preventing drug abuse requires a multi-faceted approach. Education and awareness programs play a crucial role in informing individuals about the dangers of drug abuse and promoting healthy lifestyle choices. Access to quality healthcare and addiction treatment services is vital to help individuals recover from substance abuse. Strengthening law enforcement efforts to curb drug trafficking and promoting international cooperation is also essential to address the supply side of the issue.

Community support and a nurturing environment are critical in preventing drug abuse. Creating opportunities for individuals, especially young people, to engage in positive activities and providing social support systems can serve as protective factors against drug abuse.

In conclusion, drug abuse is a significant societal problem with detrimental effects on individuals and communities. It requires a comprehensive approach involving education, prevention, treatment, and enforcement. By addressing the root causes, raising awareness, and providing support to those affected, we can combat drug abuse and create a healthier and safer society for all.

Title: Drug Abuse – A Global Crisis Demanding Urgent Action

Introduction :

Drug abuse is a pressing global issue that poses significant risks to individuals, families, and communities. It refers to the excessive and harmful use of drugs, both legal and illegal, that have detrimental effects on physical and mental health. This essay explores the causes and consequences of drug abuse, the social and economic impact, prevention and treatment strategies, and the importance of raising awareness and fostering supportive communities in addressing this crisis.

Causes and Factors Contributing to Drug Abuse

Several factors contribute to drug abuse. Genetic predisposition, peer pressure, stress, trauma, and environmental influences play a role in initiating substance use. The availability and accessibility of drugs, as well as societal norms and cultural acceptance, also influence drug abuse patterns. Additionally, underlying mental health issues and co-occurring disorders can drive individuals to self-medicate with drugs.

Consequences of Drug Abuse

Drug abuse has devastating consequences on individuals and society. Physically, drug abuse can lead to addiction, tolerance, and withdrawal symptoms. Substance abuse affects vital organs, impairs cognitive function, and increases the risk of accidents and injuries. Mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, and psychosis, are often associated with drug abuse. Substance abuse also takes a toll on relationships, leading to strained family dynamics, social isolation, and financial instability. The social and economic costs of drug abuse include increased healthcare expenses, decreased productivity, and the burden on criminal justice systems.

Prevention and Education

Preventing drug abuse requires a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach. Education and awareness programs are essential in schools, communities, and the media to inform individuals about the risks and consequences of drug abuse. Promoting healthy coping mechanisms, stress management skills, and decision-making abilities can empower individuals to resist peer pressure and make informed choices. Early intervention programs that identify at-risk individuals and provide support and resources are crucial in preventing substance abuse.

Treatment and Recovery

Access to quality healthcare and evidence-based addiction treatment is vital in addressing drug abuse. Treatment options include detoxification, counseling, behavioral therapies, and medication-assisted treatments. Rehabilitation centers, support groups, and outpatient programs provide a continuum of care for individuals seeking recovery. Holistic approaches, such as addressing co-occurring mental health disorders and promoting healthy lifestyles, contribute to successful long-term recovery. Support from family, friends, and communities plays a significant role in sustaining recovery and preventing relapse.

Law Enforcement and Drug Policies

Effective law enforcement efforts are necessary to disrupt drug trafficking and dismantle illicit drug networks. International cooperation and collaboration are crucial in combating the global drug trade. Additionally, drug policies should focus on a balanced approach that combines law enforcement with prevention, treatment, and harm reduction strategies. Shifting the emphasis from punitive measures toward prevention and rehabilitation can lead to more effective outcomes.

Creating Supportive Communities:

Fostering supportive communities is vital in addressing drug abuse. Communities should provide resources, social support networks, and opportunities for positive engagement. This includes promoting healthy recreational activities, providing vocational training, and creating safe spaces for individuals in recovery. Reducing the stigma associated with drug abuse and encouraging empathy and understanding are crucial to building a compassionate and supportive environment.

Conclusion :

Drug abuse remains a complex and multifaceted issue with far-reaching consequences. By addressing the causes, raising awareness, implementing preventive measures, providing quality treatment and support services, and fostering supportive communities, we can combat drug abuse and alleviate its impact. It requires collaboration and a collective effort from individuals, communities, governments, and organizations to build a society that is resilient against the scourge of drug abuse. Through education, prevention, treatment, and compassion, we can pave the way toward a healthier and drug-free future.

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Expository Essay on Drug Abuse 100, 150, 200, 300, 350 & 500 Words

Table of Contents

Expository Essay on Drug Abuse 100 words

Drug abuse is a critical issue that affects not only individuals but also society as a whole. In this expository essay, we will explore the root causes, effects, and potential solutions to drug abuse. Firstly, peer pressure, stress, and a need for escape are common factors that contribute to drug abuse. Secondly, the negative effects of drug abuse can manifest in various forms, including health problems, strained relationships, and financial instability. Lastly, addressing the issue requires a multifaceted approach, involving education, awareness campaigns, and support systems. By understanding the causes and consequences of drug abuse, we can develop strategies to prevent and combat this pervasive problem.

Expository Essay on Drug Abuse 150 words

Drug abuse is a serious societal issue that affects individuals from all walks of life. This essay aims to explain the causes and consequences of drug abuse in an expository manner.

First and foremost, drug abuse can be attributed to various factors. One of the primary causes is peer pressure, as individuals may succumb to the influence of their friends and seek solace in drugs. Additionally, some individuals turn to drugs as a means of escapism, trying to cope with emotional or psychological pain. Another contributing factor is the availability and accessibility of drugs, making it easier for people to engage in substance abuse.

The consequences of drug abuse are myriad and life-altering. Physically, drug abuse can lead to deteriorating health issues and even death. Furthermore, it often leads to strained relationships with family and friends. Drug addiction also has severe psychological effects, causing individuals to become isolated and trapped in a cycle of dependency. Additionally, drug abuse contributes to a rise in criminal activities, as individuals resort to illegal means to sustain their addiction.

Expository Essay on Drug Abuse 200 words

Drug abuse is a pervasive issue that affects individuals and communities worldwide. This expository essay aims to analyze the problem of drug abuse and provide factual information on its causes, consequences, and potential solutions.

To begin, it is important to understand the factors that contribute to drug abuse. Peer pressure, stress, and a lack of awareness about the dangers of drugs are common reasons for individuals to become involved in substance abuse. Furthermore, genetic, environmental, and psychological factors can also play a role in the development of drug addiction.

The consequences of drug abuse are far-reaching and devastating. Physically, drugs can harm vital organs, impair cognitive functioning, and even lead to death. Socioeconomically, drug abuse can strain relationships, hinder educational and professional opportunities, and burden healthcare systems. It can also contribute to crime rates and public safety concerns.

Addressing drug abuse requires a multifaceted approach. Prevention initiatives should focus on education about the risks associated with drug use, as well as promoting healthy coping mechanisms and positive peer influences. Additionally, accessible and effective treatment programs and support networks must be provided to individuals struggling with drug addiction.

In conclusion, drug abuse is a complex issue that poses serious threats to individuals and society as a whole. By understanding its causes and consequences, as well as implementing preventative and treatment measures, we can work towards a future free from the clutches of substance abuse.

Expository Essay on Drug Abuse 300 words

Drug abuse is a major global issue affecting individuals from all walks of life. It refers to the excessive and harmful use of substances such as alcohol, prescription drugs, and illegal drugs. This expository essay aims to shed light on the causes, effects, and potential solutions to drug abuse.

One of the primary causes of drug abuse is peer pressure. Many individuals succumb to the influence of their peers, wanting to fit in or to be seen as cool. This often leads to experimentation with drugs, which can quickly escalate to addiction. Additionally, stress and trauma can also drive people towards drugs as a means of escape.

The effects of drug abuse are wide-ranging and devastating. Physically, drug abuse can lead to health problems such as heart disease, liver damage, and even death due to an overdose. Psychologically, drug abuse can cause severe mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and psychosis. Moreover, drug abuse negatively impacts relationships, leading to broken families and a breakdown in societal bonds.

Addressing drug abuse requires a multi-faceted approach. Firstly, preventative measures such as education and awareness campaigns are crucial. By educating individuals about the dangers of drug abuse, especially the youth, we can reduce the number of people succumbing to addiction. Additionally, rehabilitation programs and support groups play a pivotal role in helping drug abusers break free from their addiction and reintegrate into society.

In conclusion, drug abuse is a pressing issue affecting individuals worldwide. It is essential to understand the causes and effects of drug abuse to develop effective solutions. By implementing prevention measures and promoting rehabilitation programs, we can combat drug abuse and provide a brighter future for those trapped in the vicious cycle of addiction.

Expository Essay on Drug Abuse 350 words

Drug abuse is a prevalent issue that continues to affect individuals and societies across the globe. This expository essay aims to shed light on the realities of drug abuse, including its causes, consequences, and potential solutions. By examining the facts and presenting a balanced view, we can better understand this complex issue and work towards effective prevention and intervention strategies.

The primary cause of drug abuse can vary from individual to individual. Peer influence, stress, curiosity, and a desire for escape or pleasure are common factors that contribute to drug abuse. When people are surrounded by others who engage in drug use, they may feel compelled to experiment, thus increasing the likelihood of abuse. Additionally, individuals facing high levels of stress or seeking an escape from their problems may turn to drugs as a means of coping. The addictive nature of certain substances further exacerbates the problem, making it difficult for individuals to stop using once they start.

The consequences of drug abuse are far-reaching and affect not only the individual but also their families and communities. Physically, drug abuse can lead to organ damage, impaired cognitive function, and even death. Emotionally, it can cause mood swings, depression, and anxiety. Socially, drug abuse can lead to estranged relationships, unemployment, homelessness, and criminal behavior. The economic burden of drug abuse is also significant, as it places a strain on healthcare systems and law enforcement agencies.

To address the issue of drug abuse, a multi-faceted approach is necessary. Prevention programs should be implemented in schools, educating students about the dangers of drug abuse and providing them with the necessary skills to resist peer pressure. Parents and guardians should also play an active role in educating their children about substance abuse and maintaining open lines of communication. Furthermore, increased access to treatment programs, counseling services, and rehabilitation centers can help individuals overcome their addiction and pursue a healthier, drug-free lifestyle.

In conclusion, drug abuse remains a pressing concern that impacts individuals and societies globally. By understanding the causes, consequences, and potential solutions, we can work towards effective prevention and intervention strategies. Through education, awareness, and a focus on providing support to those affected, we can work towards reducing drug abuse and its devastating effects.

Write an Expository Essay on Drug Abuse 500 Words?

Title: an expository essay on drug abuse, introduction.

Drug abuse is a prevalent and multifaceted issue that affects individuals, families, and communities worldwide. It is characterized by the habitual misuse of drugs, often resulting in physical and psychological harm. This expository essay aims to provide an in-depth exploration of drug abuse, its causes, consequences, and potential solutions.

Definition and Types of Drugs

Drug abuse refers to the excessive and continuous misuse of both legal and illegal substances. Various types of drugs can be abused, including narcotics, stimulants, depressants, hallucinogens, and prescription medications. Understanding the diverse range of drugs abused is crucial to comprehending the scope and significance of the issue.

Causes of Drug Abuse

Drug abuse is often linked to a combination of genetic, environmental, and individual factors. Genetic predispositions to addictive behaviors can influence an individual’s susceptibility to drug abuse. Additionally, environmental influences such as dysfunctional families, poverty, peer pressure, and the availability of drugs contribute to the problem. Personal factors like low self-esteem, emotional distress, or mental health disorders can also increase the likelihood of drug abuse.

Consequences of Drug Abuse

Drug abuse has profound consequences on an individual’s health, relationships, and society as a whole. Physically, drug abuse can lead to addiction, overdose, and in some cases, death. Psychological effects include impaired cognitive function, an increased risk of mental health disorders, and diminished productivity. Social consequences encompass strained relationships, an economic burden on society, and an increase in crime rates.

Prevention and Intervention Strategies

Addressing drug abuse requires a multi-faceted approach that involves prevention, intervention, and treatment. Effective prevention strategies include education, raising awareness about the risks and consequences of drug abuse, and promoting healthy coping mechanisms. Early intervention programs that identify individuals at risk and provide appropriate support and counseling are crucial to curbing drug abuse. Treatment options such as detoxification, therapy, and support groups play a crucial role in helping individuals recover from addiction.

Governmental and Community Initiatives

Governments and communities have a crucial role to play in combating drug abuse. Public policies that focus on reducing drug availability, implementing stricter regulations, and offering rehabilitation programs are vital. Additionally, community-based initiatives like support groups, recreational activities, and counseling services can help create a supportive environment for recovery.

Drug abuse remains a significant challenge in contemporary society, affecting individuals of all ages and backgrounds. Understanding its causes, consequences, and potential solutions is essential to combating this harmful issue. By implementing prevention strategies, early intervention programs, and adequate treatment options, we can make progress in minimizing the devastating effects of drug abuse. It is the collective responsibility of governments, communities, and individuals to address drug abuse comprehensively and provide support to those impacted, in order to promote healthier societies for generations to come.

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Home — Essay Samples — Psychology — Adolescence — The Use Of Drugs Among Teenagers

The Use of Drugs Among Teenagers

• Categories: Adolescence Drugs

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Words: 625 |

Published: Dec 3, 2020

Words: 625 | Page: 1 | 4 min read

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Why teens try drugs essay sample, example.

Adolescence is the time when both young men and women seek to fit in their community, find their place in it, and be accepted. Already not a child, but still not a grown-up, a teenager looks to be treated as an adult. Without yet realizing that adulthood is about responsibility, decision making, and self-sustainability, teenagers often stick to what they believe are exterior attributions of being a grown-up: drinking alcohol, smoking cigarettes, and drug use. Doing this, they get into illusions, believing they are mature. Unless something bad happens to them (in the best case scenario is arrest, and in the worst case, drug addiction and rehab) they believe “bad things” happen only to other people. So, their survival instinct malfunctions, and as a result, they throw themselves into dangerous experiments with substances. Also, those teenagers who grow up with parents abusing alcohol or drugs often follow their examples: either subconsciously, or naively considering that if parents do it, then they also should (Promises.com).

As it has been said, teenagers often seek for acceptance. But compared with the acceptance by a society in general, even more important for teenagers is the acceptance of their peers. Adolescents want to fit in groups that they consider to be authoritative. Being “the only one not participating”—be it drug use, shoplifting, or other dangerous but “cool” activities—means being left out, which leads to disrespect and ostracism. In order to comply with the requirements of their surroundings, teenagers may make bad decisions, like taking drugs, to cover-up their insecurities. Thinking about the consequences is not typical for adolescents, so teenagers do not care how drug use will turn out for them or their families. Besides, teenagers want to rebel. It is a paradox, but adolescence is all about paradoxes: they want acceptance from a particular society, and they want to rebel against it. Drugs are one of the easiest ways to seem like an outlaw, to manifest neglect of social rules and norms, and so on. What teens do not realize is that drugs do not make them independent—on the contrary, doing drugs leads to addiction (Dublin City Schools).

Stress, boredom, and self-medication are also the reasons why many teenagers start taking drugs regularly, or at least from time to time. Adolescence is full of stresses; although adults often think it is not, as if they forgot themselves being this age. When teens feel unhappy and cannot find a healthy outlet for their excessive energy, they tend to find dangerous ways of releasing their frustration. The often rough teenage years can take an emotional toll on children, sometimes even causing depression. This is why for so many teenagers, it is hard to refuse trying out marijuana or other drugs—they seek a way to get rid of negative emotions. Unfortunately, this only makes their situation worse (DrugFree.org).

Although adults often explain teenagers’ substance abuse in a simplified manner, like “It’s just a period,” the actual reasons for drug use by teens are usually more complicated. Craving for acceptance by their given society and especially peers, a desire to rebel and manifest aggression against accepted rules, bad examples given by parents, stress, depression, or boredom, a fear to be left out—these are just some of the reasons causing teenagers to try their first harmful substance. Thus, these wishes and motives should be paid attention to.

“10 Reasons Teens Abuse Alcohol or Drugs.” Promises. N.p., 24 Oct. 2013. Web. 06 Apr. 2015. <http://www.promises.com/articles/teens/10-reasons-teens-abuse-alcohol-or-drugs/>

“Why Do Teens Use Drugs?” Dublin City Schools. N.p., n.d. Web. 06 Apr. 2015. <http://www.dublinschools.net/why.aspx>

“Top 8 Reasons Why Teens Try Alcohol and Drugs – Partnership for Drug-Free Kids.” DrugFree.org. N.p., n.d. Web. 06 Apr. 2015. <http://www.drugfree.org/resources/top-8-reasons-why-teens-try-alcohol-and-drugs/>

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Essay on Drugs On Youth

Students are often asked to write an essay on Drugs On Youth in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Drugs On Youth

Introduction.

Drugs are harmful substances that can hurt our bodies. When young people use drugs, it can cause big problems. This essay will talk about how drugs affect youth.

Why Youth Use Drugs

Many young people start using drugs because of peer pressure or stress. They might think it’s cool or a way to escape problems. But, it’s not a good solution and can lead to serious issues.

Effects of Drugs on Youth

Drugs can harm a person’s mind and body. They can make a young person feel sick, act differently, and have trouble in school. Over time, it can even lead to addiction.

Prevention and Help

It’s important to teach young people about the dangers of drugs. If someone is using drugs, they should seek help from a trusted adult or a professional. There are many resources available to help.

250 Words Essay on Drugs On Youth

Drugs can harm young people in many ways. They can change how the brain works, making it hard for youth to think, learn, and make good choices.

Drugs and Health Risks

Drugs are risky for everyone, but they’re especially dangerous for young people. This is because their bodies and brains are still growing. Drugs can harm this growth, leading to long-term health problems. For example, drugs can harm the heart, lungs, and other important parts of the body.

Drugs and Behavior

Drugs can also change how young people behave. They can make youth act in ways they normally wouldn’t, like being violent or taking risks. This can lead to problems at school, with friends, or with the law.

Drugs and Addiction

Drugs can be very addictive. This means that once a young person starts using drugs, it can be hard for them to stop. This can lead to a life-long struggle with drug use.

It’s important for young people to understand the risks of drug use. This can help them make good choices and stay healthy. Remember, saying no to drugs is always the best choice.

500 Words Essay on Drugs On Youth

The attraction of drugs.

Many young people start using drugs out of curiosity or because friends are doing it. They might think that drugs can help them forget their problems or feel more relaxed and happy. But this is not true. Drugs can make problems worse and can lead to new problems.

Health Problems

One of the main impacts of drugs on youth is health problems. Drugs can damage important parts of the body like the brain, heart, and lungs. They can also make young people feel tired, confused, or scared. Some drugs can even lead to death.

Impact on School Work

Relationship problems.

Drugs can also harm young people’s relationships. They can lead to fights with family and friends, and can make it hard to trust others. Young people who use drugs might also start hanging out with other drug users, which can lead to more problems.

Prevention is Key

To stop the impact of drugs on youth, we need to prevent young people from starting to use drugs in the first place. This can be done by teaching them about the dangers of drugs, and by giving them healthy ways to deal with stress and problems. Parents, teachers, and friends can all help in this.

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Expository Essay On Drug Abuse In Nigeria 450 Words

In the vibrant tapestry of Nigeria, a troubling thread weaves its way through the lives of countless individuals, casting a shadow over families, communities, and the nation itself. This thread is the menace of drug abuse, a complex issue that affects people of diverse backgrounds and ages. In this expository essay, we shall delve into the layers of this problem, exploring its causes, effects, and the measures that can be taken to combat it.

Table of Contents

Essay:  Unmasking the Shadows – Understanding Drug Abuse in Nigeria

Drug abuse, a deeply rooted concern in Nigeria, has ensnared the minds of many, including students who should be shaping the future. From the allure of cocaine to the grip of heroin and the haze of hash, the usage of these substances is far from uncommon[1]. The ripples of this problem extend far beyond the individual user, impacting families, communities, and the broader fabric of society.

The intertwining of drug abuse with criminal activities casts a dark cloud over Nigeria. Often, addiction and drug usage become entangled with a web of criminal behavior, including prostitution and sexual exploitation, resulting in vulnerable individuals being preyed upon[2]. The vicious cycle leads to tragic outcomes, with users often falling victim to violence, abuse, and exploitation.

The toll of drug abuse on health is a stark reality. The human body bears the brunt of the choices made, as substance abuse paves the path to heart ailments, kidney malfunction, and irreversible damage to the brain[4]. The very essence of self-control is under siege due to altered brain functioning, perpetuating the cycle of addiction and further physical deterioration.

The devastation caused by drug abuse stretches beyond the individual to disrupt the harmony of families and communities, undermining the foundations of society itself. Relationships are strained, families fractured, and social fabric torn asunder. The burden placed on healthcare systems and law enforcement compounds the issue, diverting resources from pressing matters.

Nurturing a solution to the epidemic of drug abuse requires a multifaceted strategy. First and foremost, awareness campaigns are pivotal in illuminating the path towards a drug-free society. Through education, individuals can be enlightened about the dangers that lie within the grasp of addiction. Accessible and well-funded rehabilitation centers must be established to provide a lifeline to those ensnared by substance dependency. The gears of law enforcement should turn towards dismantling drug trafficking networks and curbing the influx of illicit substances.

In conclusion, the specter of drug abuse in Nigeria is a formidable adversary, impacting individuals, families, and the entire nation. As we stand at the crossroads of a healthier future, it is imperative to address this issue head-on through comprehensive education, robust rehabilitation, and vigilant law enforcement. By doing so, we unravel the shadows that drug abuse casts, nurturing a society that thrives on resilience, unity, and wellbeing.

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RSIS International

• December 28, 2021
• Posted by: RSIS
• Categories: Governance and Leadership, IJRISS

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume V, Issue XII, December 2021 | ISSN 2454–6186

Drug Abuse, Youths and National Security Implications for Nigeria

 AKINPELU, Ibrahim Lanre Department of Governance and Public Policy, Centre for Strategic Research and Studies, National Defence College, Abuja, Nigeria

Abstract: Drug abuse among youth population is globally identified as a threat to national security, especially in Nigeria. Although Nigeria was initially conceived as a drug-transit nation, regrettably, that conception has changed in recent times. It has profoundly aggravated to become a pose for drug abuse. Despite the counter narcotics efforts by NDLEA and other government agencies, a sizeable amount of youth population in Nigeria still abuse drugs. This study examined drug abuse among Nigerian youths and its implications for national security. The study reveals that the preponderance increase of drugs abuse in Nigeria is a veritable tool for violent crimes, aggression and youth restiveness. Erosion of human capital, unproductivity of youth population, deteriorating health as well as threat to national security were also key factors. The study relies on the analysis of secondary interpretative documents related to youth drug abuse and national security in Nigeria. The study also identified environment, family background, curiosity, enjoyment, parents socio-economic status, peer pressure as well as promotion and availability of drugs as the major contributing factors to the rising trends of drug abuse among youths in Nigeria. Adopting socio-cultural, biological, social-learning and securitization theories, the study concludes by prescribing some ways of curbing the menace arising from drug abuse and recommends for capacity building and strengthening of the NDLEA and other relevant agencies, increased awareness campaigns against drug abuse, educating students at all levels on the negative impact of drug abuse as well as parental involvement in the struggle.

Keywords: Drug Abuse, National Security, Youths

I. INTRODUCTION

Drug abuse is emerging as a global public health issue, with every part of the world having a fair share of this menace. It has been a major threat that cut across almost all spheres of life. It has the capacity to negatively influence social, political, economic, and psychological aspects of peoples’ lives. In recent times, drug use had cut across ages, as it could be found among the young and old. Cultural differences has gotten almost nothing to do with drug abuse, likewise gender hasn’t been a factor as both males and females engage in this anti-social behaviour. The recent world drug report-2021 of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) estimated that around 275 million people, 5.5 per cent of the population aged between 15 and 64 years, had used drugs in the previous year, while over 36.3 million people or 13 per cent of the total number of persons who use drugs, suffer from drug use disorders. (UNODC, 2021).

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Risk and protective factors of drug abuse among adolescents: a systematic review

Azmawati mohammed nawi.

1 Department of Community Health, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Cheras, 56000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Rozmi Ismail

2 Centre for Research in Psychology and Human Well-Being (PSiTra), Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 Bangi, Selangor Malaysia

Fauziah Ibrahim

Mohd rohaizat hassan, mohd rizal abdul manaf.

3 Clinical Psychology and Behavioural Health Program, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Norhayati Ibrahim

Nurul shafini shafurdin, associated data.

All data generated or analysed during this study are included in this published article.

Drug abuse is detrimental, and excessive drug usage is a worldwide problem. Drug usage typically begins during adolescence. Factors for drug abuse include a variety of protective and risk factors. Hence, this systematic review aimed to determine the risk and protective factors of drug abuse among adolescents worldwide.

Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) was adopted for the review which utilized three main journal databases, namely PubMed, EBSCOhost, and Web of Science. Tobacco addiction and alcohol abuse were excluded in this review. Retrieved citations were screened, and the data were extracted based on strict inclusion and exclusion criteria. Inclusion criteria include the article being full text, published from the year 2016 until 2020 and provided via open access resource or subscribed to by the institution. Quality assessment was done using Mixed Methods Appraisal Tools (MMAT) version 2018 to assess the methodological quality of the included studies. Given the heterogeneity of the included studies, a descriptive synthesis of the included studies was undertaken.

Out of 425 articles identified, 22 quantitative articles and one qualitative article were included in the final review. Both the risk and protective factors obtained were categorized into three main domains: individual, family, and community factors. The individual risk factors identified were traits of high impulsivity; rebelliousness; emotional regulation impairment, low religious, pain catastrophic, homework completeness, total screen time and alexithymia; the experience of maltreatment or a negative upbringing; having psychiatric disorders such as conduct problems and major depressive disorder; previous e-cigarette exposure; behavioral addiction; low-perceived risk; high-perceived drug accessibility; and high-attitude to use synthetic drugs. The familial risk factors were prenatal maternal smoking; poor maternal psychological control; low parental education; negligence; poor supervision; uncontrolled pocket money; and the presence of substance-using family members. One community risk factor reported was having peers who abuse drugs. The protective factors determined were individual traits of optimism; a high level of mindfulness; having social phobia; having strong beliefs against substance abuse; the desire to maintain one’s health; high paternal awareness of drug abuse; school connectedness; structured activity and having strong religious beliefs.

The outcomes of this review suggest a complex interaction between a multitude of factors influencing adolescent drug abuse. Therefore, successful adolescent drug abuse prevention programs will require extensive work at all levels of domains.

Introduction

Drug abuse is a global problem; 5.6% of the global population aged 15–64 years used drugs at least once during 2016 [ 1 ]. The usage of drugs among younger people has been shown to be higher than that among older people for most drugs. Drug abuse is also on the rise in many ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) countries, especially among young males between 15 and 30 years of age. The increased burden due to drug abuse among adolescents and young adults was shown by the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study in 2013 [ 2 ]. About 14% of the total health burden in young men is caused by alcohol and drug abuse. Younger people are also more likely to die from substance use disorders [ 3 ], and cannabis is the drug of choice among such users [ 4 ].

Adolescents are the group of people most prone to addiction [ 5 ]. The critical age of initiation of drug use begins during the adolescent period, and the maximum usage of drugs occurs among young people aged 18–25 years old [ 1 ]. During this period, adolescents have a strong inclination toward experimentation, curiosity, susceptibility to peer pressure, rebellion against authority, and poor self-worth, which makes such individuals vulnerable to drug abuse [ 2 ]. During adolescence, the basic development process generally involves changing relations between the individual and the multiple levels of the context within which the young person is accustomed. Variation in the substance and timing of these relations promotes diversity in adolescence and represents sources of risk or protective factors across this life period [ 6 ]. All these factors are crucial to helping young people develop their full potential and attain the best health in the transition to adulthood. Abusing drugs impairs the successful transition to adulthood by impairing the development of critical thinking and the learning of crucial cognitive skills [ 7 ]. Adolescents who abuse drugs are also reported to have higher rates of physical and mental illness and reduced overall health and well-being [ 8 ].

The absence of protective factors and the presence of risk factors predispose adolescents to drug abuse. Some of the risk factors are the presence of early mental and behavioral health problems, peer pressure, poorly equipped schools, poverty, poor parental supervision and relationships, a poor family structure, a lack of opportunities, isolation, gender, and accessibility to drugs [ 9 ]. The protective factors include high self-esteem, religiosity, grit, peer factors, self-control, parental monitoring, academic competence, anti-drug use policies, and strong neighborhood attachment [ 10 – 15 ].

The majority of previous systematic reviews done worldwide on drug usage focused on the mental, psychological, or social consequences of substance abuse [ 16 – 18 ], while some focused only on risk and protective factors for the non-medical use of prescription drugs among youths [ 19 ]. A few studies focused only on the risk factors of single drug usage among adolescents [ 20 ]. Therefore, the development of the current systematic review is based on the main research question: What is the current risk and protective factors among adolescent on the involvement with drug abuse? To the best of our knowledge, there is limited evidence from systematic reviews that explores the risk and protective factors among the adolescent population involved in drug abuse. Especially among developing countries, such as those in South East Asia, such research on the risk and protective factors for drug abuse is scarce. Furthermore, this review will shed light on the recent trends of risk and protective factors and provide insight into the main focus factors for prevention and control activities program. Additionally, this review will provide information on how these risk and protective factors change throughout various developmental stages. Therefore, the objective of this systematic review was to determine the risk and protective factors of drug abuse among adolescents worldwide. This paper thus fills in the gaps of previous studies and adds to the existing body of knowledge. In addition, this review may benefit certain parties in developing countries like Malaysia, where the national response to drugs is developing in terms of harm reduction, prison sentences, drug treatments, law enforcement responses, and civil society participation.

This systematic review was conducted using three databases, PubMed, EBSCOhost, and Web of Science, considering the easy access and wide coverage of reliable journals, focusing on the risk and protective factors of drug abuse among adolescents from 2016 until December 2020. The search was limited to the last 5 years to focus only on the most recent findings related to risk and protective factors. The search strategy employed was performed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) checklist.

A preliminary search was conducted to identify appropriate keywords and determine whether this review was feasible. Subsequently, the related keywords were searched using online thesauruses, online dictionaries, and online encyclopedias. These keywords were verified and validated by an academic professor at the National University of Malaysia. The keywords used as shown in Table  1 .

The search strings

Selection criteria

The systematic review process for searching the articles was carried out via the steps shown in Fig.  1 . Firstly, screening was done to remove duplicate articles from the selected search engines. A total of 240 articles were removed in this stage. Titles and abstracts were screened based on the relevancy of the titles to the inclusion and exclusion criteria and the objectives. The inclusion criteria were full text original articles, open access articles or articles subscribed to by the institution, observation and intervention study design and English language articles. The exclusion criteria in this search were (a) case study articles, (b) systematic and narrative review paper articles, (c) non-adolescent-based analyses, (d) non-English articles, and (e) articles focusing on smoking (nicotine) and alcohol-related issues only. A total of 130 articles were excluded after title and abstract screening, leaving 55 articles to be assessed for eligibility. The full text of each article was obtained, and each full article was checked thoroughly to determine if it would fulfil the inclusion criteria and objectives of this study. Each of the authors compared their list of potentially relevant articles and discussed their selections until a final agreement was obtained. A total of 22 articles were accepted to be included in this review. Most of the excluded articles were excluded because the population was not of the target age range—i.e., featuring subjects with an age > 18 years, a cohort born in 1965–1975, or undergraduate college students; the subject matter was not related to the study objective—i.e., assessing the effects on premature mortality, violent behavior, psychiatric illness, individual traits, and personality; type of article such as narrative review and neuropsychiatry review; and because of our inability to obtain the full article—e.g., forthcoming work in 2021. One qualitative article was added to explain the domain related to risk and the protective factors among the adolescents.

PRISMA flow diagram showing the selection of studies on risk and protective factors for drug abuse among adolescents.2.2. Operational Definition

Drug-related substances in this context refer to narcotics, opioids, psychoactive substances, amphetamines, cannabis, ecstasy, heroin, cocaine, hallucinogens, depressants, and stimulants. Drugs of abuse can be either off-label drugs or drugs that are medically prescribed. The two most commonly abused substances not included in this review are nicotine (tobacco) and alcohol. Accordingly, e-cigarettes and nicotine vape were also not included. Further, “adolescence” in this study refers to members of the population aged between 10 to 18 years [ 21 ].

Data extraction tool

All researchers independently extracted information for each article into an Excel spreadsheet. The data were then customized based on their (a) number; (b) year; (c) author and country; (d) titles; (e) study design; (f) type of substance abuse; (g) results—risks and protective factors; and (h) conclusions. A second reviewer crossed-checked the articles assigned to them and provided comments in the table.

Quality assessment tool

By using the Mixed Method Assessment Tool (MMAT version 2018), all articles were critically appraised for their quality by two independent reviewers. This tool has been shown to be useful in systematic reviews encompassing different study designs [ 22 ]. Articles were only selected if both reviewers agreed upon the articles’ quality. Any disagreement between the assigned reviewers was managed by employing a third independent reviewer. All included studies received a rating of “yes” for the questions in the respective domains of the MMAT checklists. Therefore, none of the articles were removed from this review due to poor quality. The Cohen’s kappa (agreement) between the two reviewers was 0.77, indicating moderate agreement [ 23 ].

The initial search found 425 studies for review, but after removing duplicates and applying the criteria listed above, we narrowed the pool to 22 articles, all of which are quantitative in their study design. The studies include three prospective cohort studies [ 24 – 26 ], one community trial [ 27 ], one case-control study [ 28 ], and nine cross-sectional studies [ 29 – 45 ]. After careful discussion, all reviewer panels agreed to add one qualitative study [ 46 ] to help provide reasoning for the quantitative results. The selected qualitative paper was chosen because it discussed almost all domains on the risk and protective factors found in this review.

A summary of all 23 articles is listed in Table  2 . A majority of the studies (13 articles) were from the United States of America (USA) [ 25 – 27 , 29 – 31 , 34 , 36 – 45 ], three studies were from the Asia region [ 32 , 33 , 38 ], four studies were from Europe [ 24 , 28 , 40 , 44 ], and one study was from Latin America [ 35 ], Africa [ 43 ] and Mediterranean [ 45 ]. The number of sample participants varied widely between the studies, ranging from 70 samples (minimum) to 700,178 samples (maximum), while the qualitative paper utilized a total of 100 interviewees. There were a wide range of drugs assessed in the quantitative articles, with marijuana being mentioned in 11 studies, cannabis in five studies, and opioid (six studies). There was also large heterogeneity in terms of the study design, type of drug abused, measurements of outcomes, and analysis techniques used. Therefore, the data were presented descriptively.

Study characteristic and main findings

After thorough discussion and evaluation, all the findings (both risk and protective factors) from the review were categorized into three main domains: individual factors, family factors, and community factors. The conceptual framework is summarized in Fig.  2 .

Conceptual framework of risk and protective factors related to adolescent drug abuse

DOMAIN: individual factor

Risk factors.

Almost all the articles highlighted significant findings of individual risk factors for adolescent drug abuse. Therefore, our findings for this domain were further broken down into five more sub-domains consisting of personal/individual traits, significant negative growth exposure, personal psychiatric diagnosis, previous substance history, comorbidity and an individual’s attitude and perception.

Personal/individual traits

Chuang et al. [ 29 ] found that adolescents with high impulsivity traits had a significant positive association with drug addiction. This study also showed that the impulsivity trait alone was an independent risk factor that increased the odds between two to four times for using any drug compared to the non-impulsive group. Another longitudinal study by Guttmannova et al. showed that rebellious traits are positively associated with marijuana drug abuse [ 27 ]. The authors argued that measures of rebelliousness are a good proxy for a youth’s propensity to engage in risky behavior. Nevertheless, Wilson et al. [ 37 ], in a study involving 112 youths undergoing detoxification treatment for opioid abuse, found that a majority of the affected respondents had difficulty in regulating their emotions. The authors found that those with emotional regulation impairment traits became opioid dependent at an earlier age. Apart from that, a case-control study among outpatient youths found that adolescents involved in cannabis abuse had significant alexithymia traits compared to the control population [ 28 ]. Those adolescents scored high in the dimension of Difficulty in Identifying Emotion (DIF), which is one of the key definitions of diagnosing alexithymia. Overall, the adjusted Odds Ratio for DIF in cannabis abuse was 1.11 (95% CI, 1.03–1.20).

Significant negative growth exposure

A history of maltreatment in the past was also shown to have a positive association with adolescent drug abuse. A study found that a history of physical abuse in the past is associated with adolescent drug abuse through a Path Analysis, despite evidence being limited to the female gender [ 25 ]. However, evidence from another study focusing at foster care concluded that any type of maltreatment might result in a prevalence as high as 85.7% for the lifetime use of cannabis and as high as 31.7% for the prevalence of cannabis use within the last 3-months [ 30 ]. The study also found significant latent variables that accounted for drug abuse outcomes, which were chronic physical maltreatment (factor loading of 0.858) and chronic psychological maltreatment (factor loading of 0.825), with an r 2 of 73.6 and 68.1%, respectively. Another study shed light on those living in child welfare service (CWS) [ 35 ]. It was observed through longitudinal measurements that proportions of marijuana usage increased from 9 to 18% after 36 months in CWS. Hence, there is evidence of the possibility of a negative upbringing at such shelters.

Personal psychiatric diagnosis

The robust studies conducted in the USA have deduced that adolescents diagnosed with a conduct problem (CP) have a positive association with marijuana abuse (OR = 1.75 [1.56, 1.96], p  < 0.0001). Furthermore, those with a diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) showed a significant positive association with marijuana abuse.

Previous substance and addiction history

Another study found that exposure to e-cigarettes within the past 30 days is related to an increase in the prevalence of marijuana use and prescription drug use by at least four times in the 8th and 10th grades and by at least three times in the 12th grade [ 34 ]. An association between other behavioral addictions and the development of drug abuse was also studied [ 29 ]. Using a 12-item index to assess potential addictive behaviors [ 39 ], significant associations between drug abuse and the groups with two behavioral addictions (OR = 3.19, 95% CI 1.25,9.77) and three behavioral addictions (OR = 3.46, 95% CI 1.25,9.58) were reported.

Comorbidity

The paper by Dash et al. (2020) highlight adolescent with a disease who needs routine medical pain treatment have higher risk of opioid misuse [ 38 ]. The adolescents who have disorder symptoms may have a risk for opioid misuse despite for the pain intensity.

Individual’s attitudes and perceptions

In a study conducted in three Latin America countries (Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay), it was shown that adolescents with low or no perceived risk of taking marijuana had a higher risk of abuse (OR = 8.22 times, 95% CI 7.56, 10.30) [ 35 ]. This finding is in line with another study that investigated 2002 adolescents and concluded that perceiving the drug as harmless was an independent risk factor that could prospectively predict future marijuana abuse [ 27 ]. Moreover, some youth interviewed perceived that they gained benefits from substance use [ 38 ]. The focus group discussion summarized that the youth felt positive personal motivation and could escape from a negative state by taking drugs. Apart from that, adolescents who had high-perceived availability of drugs in their neighborhoods were more likely to increase their usage of marijuana over time (OR = 11.00, 95% CI 9.11, 13.27) [ 35 ]. A cheap price of the substance and the availability of drug dealers around schools were factors for youth accessibility [ 38 ]. Perceived drug accessibility has also been linked with the authorities’ enforcement programs. The youth perception of a lax community enforcement of laws regarding drug use at all-time points predicted an increase in marijuana use in the subsequent assessment period [ 27 ]. Besides perception, a study examining the attitudes towards synthetic drugs based on 8076 probabilistic samples of Macau students found that the odds of the lifetime use of marijuana was almost three times higher among those with a strong attitude towards the use of synthetic drugs [ 32 ]. In addition, total screen time among the adolescent increase the likelihood of frequent cannabis use. Those who reported daily cannabis use have a mean of 12.56 h of total screen time, compared to a mean of 6.93 h among those who reported no cannabis use. Adolescent with more time on internet use, messaging, playing video games and watching TV/movies were significantly associated with more frequent cannabis use [ 44 ].

Protective factors

Individual traits.

Some individual traits have been determined to protect adolescents from developing drug abuse habits. A study by Marin et al. found that youth with an optimistic trait were less likely to become drug dependent [ 33 ]. In this study involving 1104 Iranian students, it was concluded that a higher optimism score (measured using the Children Attributional Style Questionnaire, CASQ) was a protective factor against illicit drug use (OR = 0.90, 95% CI: 0.85–0.95). Another study found that high levels of mindfulness, measured using the 25-item Child Acceptance and Mindfulness Measure, CAMM, lead to a slower progression toward injectable drug abuse among youth with opioid addiction (1.67 years, p  = .041) [ 37 ]. In addition, the social phobia trait was found to have a negative association with marijuana use (OR = 0.87, 95% CI 0.77–0.97), as suggested [ 31 ].

According to El Kazdouh et al., individuals with a strong belief against substance use and those with a strong desire to maintain their health were more likely to be protected from involvement in drug abuse [ 46 ].

DOMAIN: family factors

The biological factors underlying drug abuse in adolescents have been reported in several studies. Epigenetic studies are considered important, as they can provide a good outline of the potential pre-natal factors that can be targeted at an earlier stage. Expecting mothers who smoke tobacco and alcohol have an indirect link with adolescent substance abuse in later life [ 24 , 39 ]. Moreover, the dynamic relationship between parents and their children may have some profound effects on the child’s growth. Luk et al. examined the mediator effects between parenting style and substance abuse and found the maternal psychological control dimension to be a significant variable [ 26 ]. The mother’s psychological control was two times higher in influencing her children to be involved in substance abuse compared to the other dimension. Conversely, an indirect risk factor towards youth drug abuse was elaborated in a study in which low parental educational level predicted a greater risk of future drug abuse by reducing the youth’s perception of harm [ 27 , 43 ]. Negligence from a parental perspective could also contribute to this problem. According to El Kazdouh et al. [ 46 ], a lack of parental supervision, uncontrolled pocket money spending among children, and the presence of substance-using family members were the most common negligence factors.

While the maternal factors above were shown to be risk factors, the opposite effect was seen when the paternal figure equipped himself with sufficient knowledge. A study found that fathers with good information and awareness were more likely to protect their adolescent children from drug abuse [ 26 ]. El Kazdouh et al. noted that support and advice could be some of the protective factors in this area [ 46 ].

DOMAIN: community factors

Risk factor.

A study in 2017 showed a positive association between adolescent drug abuse and peers who abuse drugs [ 32 , 39 ]. It was estimated that the odds of becoming a lifetime marijuana user was significantly increased by a factor of 2.5 ( p  < 0.001) among peer groups who were taking synthetic drugs. This factor served as peer pressure for youth, who subconsciously had desire to be like the others [ 38 ]. The impact of availability and engagement in structured and unstructured activities also play a role in marijuana use. The findings from Spillane (2000) found that the availability of unstructured activities was associated with increased likelihood of marijuana use [ 42 ].

Protective factor

Strong religious beliefs integrated into society serve as a crucial protective factor that can prevent adolescents from engaging in drug abuse [ 38 , 45 ]. In addition, the school connectedness and adult support also play a major contribution in the drug use [ 40 ].

The goal of this review was to identify and classify the risks and protective factors that lead adolescents to drug abuse across the three important domains of the individual, family, and community. No findings conflicted with each other, as each of them had their own arguments and justifications. The findings from our review showed that individual factors were the most commonly highlighted. These factors include individual traits, significant negative growth exposure, personal psychiatric diagnosis, previous substance and addiction history, and an individual’s attitude and perception as risk factors.

Within the individual factor domain, nine articles were found to contribute to the subdomain of personal/ individual traits [ 27 – 29 , 37 – 40 , 43 , 44 ]. Despite the heterogeneity of the study designs and the substances under investigation, all of the papers found statistically significant results for the possible risk factors of adolescent drug abuse. The traits of high impulsivity, rebelliousness, difficulty in regulating emotions, and alexithymia can be considered negative characteristic traits. These adolescents suffer from the inability to self-regulate their emotions, so they tend to externalize their behaviors as a way to avoid or suppress the negative feelings that they are experiencing [ 41 , 47 , 48 ]. On the other hand, engaging in such behaviors could plausibly provide a greater sense of positive emotions and make them feel good [ 49 ]. Apart from that, evidence from a neurophysiological point of view also suggests that the compulsive drive toward drug use is complemented by deficits in impulse control and decision making (impulsive trait) [ 50 ]. A person’s ability in self-control will seriously impaired with continuous drug use and will lead to the hallmark of addiction [ 51 ].

On the other hand, there are articles that reported some individual traits to be protective for adolescents from engaging in drug abuse. Youth with the optimistic trait, a high level of mindfulness, and social phobia were less likely to become drug dependent [ 31 , 33 , 37 ]. All of these articles used different psychometric instruments to classify each individual trait and were mutually exclusive. Therefore, each trait measured the chance of engaging in drug abuse on its own and did not reflect the chance at the end of the spectrum. These findings show that individual traits can be either protective or risk factors for the drugs used among adolescents. Therefore, any adolescent with negative personality traits should be monitored closely by providing health education, motivation, counselling, and emotional support since it can be concluded that negative personality traits are correlated with high risk behaviours such as drug abuse [ 52 ].

Our study also found that a history of maltreatment has a positive association with adolescent drug abuse. Those adolescents with episodes of maltreatment were considered to have negative growth exposure, as their childhoods were negatively affected by traumatic events. Some significant associations were found between maltreatment and adolescent drug abuse, although the former factor was limited to the female gender [ 25 , 30 , 36 ]. One possible reason for the contrasting results between genders is the different sample populations, which only covered child welfare centers [ 36 ] and foster care [ 30 ]. Regardless of the place, maltreatment can happen anywhere depending on the presence of the perpetrators. To date, evidence that concretely links maltreatment and substance abuse remains limited. However, a plausible explanation for this link could be the indirect effects of posttraumatic stress (i.e., a history of maltreatment) leading to substance use [ 53 , 54 ]. These findings highlight the importance of continuous monitoring and follow-ups with adolescents who have a history of maltreatment and who have ever attended a welfare center.

Addiction sometimes leads to another addiction, as described by the findings of several studies [ 29 , 34 ]. An initial study focused on the effects of e-cigarettes in the development of other substance abuse disorders, particularly those related to marijuana, alcohol, and commonly prescribed medications [ 34 ]. The authors found that the use of e-cigarettes can lead to more severe substance addiction [ 55 ], possibly through normalization of the behavior. On the other hand, Chuang et al.’s extensive study in 2017 analyzed the combined effects of either multiple addictions alone or a combination of multiple addictions together with the impulsivity trait [ 29 ]. The outcomes reported were intriguing and provide the opportunity for targeted intervention. The synergistic effects of impulsiveness and three other substance addictions (marijuana, tobacco, and alcohol) substantially increased the likelihood for drug abuse from 3.46 (95%CI 1.25, 9.58) to 10.13 (95% CI 3.95, 25.95). Therefore, proper rehabilitation is an important strategy to ensure that one addiction will not lead to another addiction.

The likelihood for drug abuse increases as the population perceives little or no harmful risks associated with the drugs. On the opposite side of the coin, a greater perceived risk remains a protective factor for marijuana abuse [ 56 ]. However, another study noted that a stronger determinant for adolescent drug abuse was the perceived availability of the drug [ 35 , 57 ]. Looking at the bigger picture, both perceptions corroborate each other and may inform drug use. Another study, on the other hand, reported that there was a decreasing trend of perceived drug risk in conjunction with the increasing usage of drugs [ 58 ]. As more people do drugs, youth may inevitably perceive those drugs as an acceptable norm without any harmful consequences [ 59 ].

In addition, the total spent for screen time also contribute to drug abuse among adolescent [ 43 ]. This scenario has been proven by many researchers on the effect of screen time on the mental health [ 60 ] that leads to the substance use among the adolescent due to the ubiquity of pro-substance use content on the internet. Adolescent with comorbidity who needs medical pain management by opioids also tend to misuse in future. A qualitative exploration on the perspectives among general practitioners concerning the risk of opioid misuse in people with pain, showed pain management by opioids is a default treatment and misuse is not a main problem for the them [ 61 ]. A careful decision on the use of opioids as a pain management should be consider among the adolescents and their understanding is needed.

Within the family factor domain, family structures were found to have both positive and negative associations with drug abuse among adolescents. As described in one study, paternal knowledge was consistently found to be a protective factor against substance abuse [ 26 ]. With sufficient knowledge, the father can serve as the guardian of his family to monitor and protect his children from negative influences [ 62 ]. The work by Luk et al. also reported a positive association of maternal psychological association towards drug abuse (IRR 2.41, p  < 0.05) [ 26 ]. The authors also observed the same effect of paternal psychological control, although it was statistically insignificant. This construct relates to parenting style, and the authors argued that parenting style might have a profound effect on the outcomes under study. While an earlier literature review [ 63 ] also reported such a relationship, a recent study showed a lesser impact [ 64 ] with regards to neglectful parenting styles leading to poorer substance abuse outcomes. Nevertheless, it was highlighted in another study that the adolescents’ perception of a neglectful parenting style increased their odds (OR 2.14, p  = 0.012) of developing alcohol abuse, not the parenting style itself [ 65 ]. Altogether, families play vital roles in adolescents’ risk for engaging in substance abuse [ 66 ]. Therefore, any intervention to impede the initiation of substance use or curb existing substance use among adolescents needs to include parents—especially improving parent–child communication and ensuring that parents monitor their children’s activities.

Finally, the community also contributes to drug abuse among adolescents. As shown by Li et al. [ 32 ] and El Kazdouh et al. [ 46 ], peers exert a certain influence on other teenagers by making them subconsciously want to fit into the group. Peer selection and peer socialization processes might explain why peer pressure serves as a risk factor for drug-abuse among adolescents [ 67 ]. Another study reported that strong religious beliefs integrated into society play a crucial role in preventing adolescents from engaging in drug abuse [ 46 ]. Most religions devalue any actions that can cause harmful health effects, such as substance abuse [ 68 ]. Hence, spiritual beliefs may help protect adolescents. This theme has been well established in many studies [ 60 , 69 – 72 ] and, therefore, could be implemented by religious societies as part of interventions to curb the issue of adolescent drug abuse. The connection with school and structured activity did reduce the risk as a study in USA found exposure to media anti-drug messages had an indirect negative effect on substances abuse through school-related activity and social activity [ 73 ]. The school activity should highlight on the importance of developmental perspective when designing and offering school-based prevention programs [75].

Limitations

We adopted a review approach that synthesized existing evidence on the risk and protective factors of adolescents engaging in drug abuse. Although this systematic review builds on the conclusion of a rigorous review of studies in different settings, there are some potential limitations to this work. We may have missed some other important factors, as we only included English articles, and article extraction was only done from the three search engines mentioned. Nonetheless, this review focused on worldwide drug abuse studies, rather than the broader context of substance abuse including alcohol and cigarettes, thereby making this paper more focused.

Conclusions

This review has addressed some recent knowledge related to the individual, familial, and community risk and preventive factors for adolescent drug use. We suggest that more attention should be given to individual factors since most findings were discussed in relation to such factors. With the increasing trend of drug abuse, it will be critical to focus research specifically on this area. Localized studies, especially those related to demographic factors, may be more effective in generating results that are specific to particular areas and thus may be more useful in generating and assessing local control and prevention efforts. Interventions using different theory-based psychotherapies and a recognition of the unique developmental milestones specific to adolescents are among examples that can be used. Relevant holistic approaches should be strengthened not only by relevant government agencies but also by the private sector and non-governmental organizations by promoting protective factors while reducing risk factors in programs involving adolescents from primary school up to adulthood to prevent and control drug abuse. Finally, legal legislation and enforcement against drug abuse should be engaged with regularly as part of our commitment to combat this public health burden.

Acknowledgements

The authors acknowledge The Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia and The Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, (UKM) for funding this study under the Long-Term Research Grant Scheme-(LGRS/1/2019/UKM-UKM/2/1). We also thank the team for their commitment and tireless efforts in ensuring that manuscript was well executed.

Authors’ contributions

Manuscript concept, and drafting AMN and RI; model development, FI, NI and NA.; Editing manuscript MRH, MRAN, NSS,; Critical revision of manuscript for important intellectual content, all authors. The authors read and approved the final manuscript.

Financial support for this study was obtained from the Ministry of Higher Education, Malaysia through the Long-Term Research Grant Scheme-(LGRS/1/2019/UKM-UKM/2/1). The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.

Data availability and materials

Declarations.

This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Secretariat of Research Ethics, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Faculty of Medicine, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur (Reference no. UKMPPI/111/8/JEP-2020.174(2). Dated 27 Mac 2020.

Not applicable.

The authors AMN, RI, FI, MRM, MRAM, NA, NI NSS declare that they have no conflict of interest relevant to this work.

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In many countries, overweight and unhealthy children pose a problem. Some people say it’s the government’s responsibility to solve this. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

The internet allows us to stay connected with each other no matter where we are. on the other hand, it also isolates us and encourages people not to socialise. to what extent do you agree or disagree with these statements give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience., families who send their children to private schools should not be required to pay taxes that support the state education system. to what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement, young people spend less of their free time with their family nowadays. what are the reasons for this are there more negative or positive sides to this trend, you had to cancel a meeting with a friend. write a letter to him/her, in your letter - apologise for cancelling the meeting - explain why you couldn't be there - suggest an alternative day when you could meet.

Social Media Impact on Drug Abuse Essay (Critical Writing)

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Modern society, especially those groups of adolescents, are now suffering not only from drug abuse but from social media addiction as well. Evidently, these two major issues affecting the generation today are interrelated. Social media content exposing drug consumption can be regarded as a risk factor that can potentially encourage people to try drugs (Levinthal, 2014). As the amount of drug-related content on social media platforms is growing rapidly, many of these platforms now tend to introduce user policy guidelines, which hide or even block such publications. Although many people do not see any threat in sharing the content of them consuming both licit and illicit drugs, the major issue concerns celebrities who make drug-related content. Serving as role models for millions of followers all over the world, in such a way, they declare that drug use is safe and absolutely normal in the context of today’s society. Hence, people who admire them are subconsciously predisposed to try drugs to become closer to their role models, who, on the other hand, do not realize the level of responsibility they have for their actions.

Another critical issue with drug-related content is the absolute romanticizing of drug use. Social media users do not often post the implications of the consumption or the process of drug withdrawal. According to the statistics, active social media users, especially adolescents, are more likely to try drugs because of the influence they see on the platforms (“The influence of social media on teen drug use,” 2020). Thus, social media platforms definitely contribute to the misuse of various drugs by romanticizing their consumption and making “social drug use” acceptable among users.

Levinthal, C.F. (2014). Drugs, Behavior and Modern Society. London, UK: Pearson Education.

The influence of social media on teen drug use. (2020). Web.

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• Chicago (A-D)
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IvyPanda. (2021, August 3). Social Media Impact on Drug Abuse. https://ivypanda.com/essays/social-media-impact-on-drug-abuse/

"Social Media Impact on Drug Abuse." IvyPanda , 3 Aug. 2021, ivypanda.com/essays/social-media-impact-on-drug-abuse/.

IvyPanda . (2021) 'Social Media Impact on Drug Abuse'. 3 August.

IvyPanda . 2021. "Social Media Impact on Drug Abuse." August 3, 2021. https://ivypanda.com/essays/social-media-impact-on-drug-abuse/.

1. IvyPanda . "Social Media Impact on Drug Abuse." August 3, 2021. https://ivypanda.com/essays/social-media-impact-on-drug-abuse/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "Social Media Impact on Drug Abuse." August 3, 2021. https://ivypanda.com/essays/social-media-impact-on-drug-abuse/.