Question

Read the study given below and answer the following questions.

A cross-sectional study was conducted on 7,563 adolescents aged between 13 and 17 years. They were enrolled in 204 government schools in all 12 districts in a city in India. The results were alarming, as many as 30 percent of the adolescents indulged in substance abuse. This raised serious concerns over their well-being and future.

1. With reference to the given study, explain the possible symptoms of substance abuse among the adolescents referred to above.    [2]
2. In your opinion, how would such behaviours of adolescents lead to delinquency?    [2]

Answer 1

1. Symptoms of substance abuse amongst adolescents.
   1. Psychological: Chronic depression, fatigue, oversensitivity, impulsive, aggressive, anxious, inability to make sound judgements, mood swings, irritability, impairments in self-care, social, academic and work areas
   2. Tolerance: It is the need for increasing amounts of the substance to achieve the same effect. Adolescents may begin consuming higher doses over time to feel the same “high.”
   3. Withdrawal Symptoms: When the substance is not available, individuals may experience nausea, sweating, anxiety, tremors, or depressed mood. This creates a strong desire to use it again to relieve discomfort.
   4. Loss of Control over Use: Individuals may experience persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control substance use. Even when they want to stop, adolescents may find it difficult due to dependence.
   5. Neglect of Responsibilities: Important activities like school, work, or family duties are ignored due to substance use. Falling grades, absenteeism, and detachment from school are common in adolescents.
2. Substance Abuse and Delinquency
   1. There is a strong correlation between the two. Substance abuse impairs mental ability and the sense of moral judgement, which leads to indulgence in illegal activities.
   2. Excessive substance abuse can also curb physical and psychological development in adolescents.
   3. At times, addiction forces an individual to resort to illegal ways to procure the drug one is addicted to.
   4. Peer pressure also influences an individual’s behaviour. In certain social circles, substance abuse is common, which also propels an individual to indulge in it. In many cases, such juveniles are disengaged from school, and there is an absence of positive influence in their lives, which makes them more susceptible to criminal activities.
   5. Substance abuse makes an individual aggressive and more prone to violent outbursts.