Adolescents and substance abuse: the effects of substance abuse on parents and siblings

Abstract

This study aimed to describe the adverse effects that adolescent substance abuse has on the levels of care giving and well-being of families. The researchers used a qualitative case study design which focused on an issue of concern (such as adolescent substance abuse) and thus selected one case to elucidate the issue, i.e., a single case study. The case would be the family members of substance abusing adolescents in Mitchells Plain, a township in Cape Town, as an exemplar for the study. Purposive sampling was used to select 12 participants, seven parents (mothers) and five siblings. Individual semi-structured interviews were utilized for data collection through the use of interview schedules. The data were analysed in the form of qualitative thematic analysis where four themes emerged, which focused on the various effects (for example, financial, physical, emotional, and distrust) on family well-being resulting from living with a substance-abusing adolescent.

Do the parents of the youth abusing substances need to be supported? A literature review study

“…The use of substances by the youth is a challenge; this is because, according to Dykes and Casker (2021), youth take drugs more than any other age group. This typically occurs as a part of a young person's growth stage when they pass from adolescence to young adulthood.…”

“…This is because the parents may shift their attention from their other children to focus on the child who now uses substances. This may cause the parents to feel inadequate and can lead to parent dissatisfaction (Dykes & Casker 2021). Social support is essential for the well-being of the parents, as it gives them satisfaction and boosts their confidence and morale.…”

“…The use of substances by a family member has an impact on the whole family; however, the impact varies according to family members. Some effects include unmet developmental requirements, poor attachment, financial difficulties, legal issues, emotional pain and even violence (Dykes & Casker 2021). Some of the parents feel like the condition of their youth at home keeps their family hostage.…”

Levels of Awareness of Selected College Students about the Signs, Risk Factors and Consequences of Teen Substance Abuse

“…The family's financial situation, physical health, and psychological wellbeing are all severely impacted since they are continuously worried about the abuser and what they will do next. Even siblings begin to feel the need to protect their sibling from ruining their life 6 . In the 8th, 10th, and 12th grades, it was discovered that exposure to e-cigarettes within the previous 30 days was associated with a rise in the prevalence of marijuana and prescription drug usage of at least four times each, and by at least three times, respectively.…”

“…Some students use drugs or alcohol to reduce their social anxiety or to help them relax more readily; (3) Addiction risk is higher for everyone whose family members use drugs or alcohol; (4) Some college students could believe that doing drugs is normal or acceptable since it's a part of being a student or because of peer pressure; (5) According to studies, these populations have considerably higher rates of cigarette smoking, alcohol misuse (including alcohol, cannabis, and other drugs), and binge drinking; (6) Subpar academic performance may result from substance usage as well as be one of its causes; (7) For many people, college marks the transition from childhood to adulthood and may mark the first time in their lives they are not under the supervision of their parents and ( 8) Drugs are easily accessible on college campuses 10 . Teens who abuse drugs may exhibit the following symptoms: (1) abrupt changes in friends; (2) changes in routine and behaviors; (3) changes in appetite or sleep patterns; (4) withdrawal from friends and social activities; (5) poor academic performance (skipping class, being late, failing to turn in homework, dozing off in class); (6) irritability; (7) strained relationships with family and friends; (8) impulsive or risk-taking behavior; (9) bloodshot eyes and (10) frequent nosebleeds 11 . Increasing awareness is one strategy for stopping substance usage.…”