Addicted and Ignored, it often starts with “just one try.” A sip at a party, a bet placed online, or hours lost on social media. For many youths, these moments of experimentation quickly spiral into patterns of addiction that are difficult to break. Behind every addict is a story of dreams interrupted, families broken, and communities burdened.
WHY YOUTHS FALL INTO ADDICTION
- Peer pressure and social influence , where young people want to fit in with friends or appear cool so they may start experimenting with alcohol, drugs, or other addictive behaviors
- Easy accessibility , where in many cases alcohol, drugs , betting platforms and even prescription pills are easy to get making temptation to be even stronger
- Stress and coping mechanism where many youths face pressure from school, family, or personal struggles. Some turn to substances or behaviors like gambling, gaming, or even social media as an escape.
- Family background , if the young people grow up in environments where addiction is normalized or where parental guidance is weak, they’re more vulnerable to developing bad characters and addiction .
- . Media and cultural influence . Music, movies, influencers, and even ads often glamorize alcohol, smoking, or certain lifestyles, making them seem attractive.
TYPES OF ADDICTION
.Substance based
-Alcoholism which when taken in excessive and regularly leads to dependency and addiction
- Drug addiction, taking of hard and soft drugs daily in order to function normally
.Behavioural addiction
Where we have gambling where mist of youths do betting , sports betting and gaming addiction.We also have food addiction under this category where even dome people struggle to let go of junks and unhealthy eating habits
CONSEQUENCES OF ADDICTION
1.Health Consequences
Physical illnesses like liver damage, lung cancer, heart disease, malnutrition.
Mental health problems like depression, anxiety, memory loss, and in extreme cases, psychosis.
2.Educational and Career consequences
Poor performance in school which csn also cause skipping classes or dropping even dropping outof school .It can also lead to lack of focus and reduced productivity.Missed opportunities due to a ruined reputation.
3.Social Consequences
Addiction leads to broken relationships with family and friends causing isolation, loneliness, and loss of trust from loved ones.It does aldo make the addicts to be violent, crime comitters or even engaging in risky behaviors like rekless driving
4. Economic ConsequencesWasting money on substances or addictive behaviors instead of savings or investments.Falling into debt due to gambling or drug use.Increased poverty rates, especially among youths
.SOLUTIONS TO ADDICTION AND THE WAY FORWARD
Awareness and Education.
This can be done by creating awareness campaigns in schools, colleges, and even communities to teach youths about the dangers of drugs, alcohol, and behavioral addictions.And with the use of social media positiveto real stories and testimonies of recovery can be spread.
Counseling and therapy
Where by access to professional counseling, rehabilitation centers, and peer support groups can be provided.
Family & Community Support
Families should show understanding instead of shame by offering love and accountability.The community organizations and churches ormosques can create safe spaces for youths battling addiction
Youth Empowerment
By creating opportunities in sports, arts, and entrepreneurship so that young people channel their energy positively.Mentorship programs where recovered addicts guide others thhrough the whole journey of reforming.
Personal Responsibility and peer influence Youths can be encouraged to choose friends wisely and resist peer pressure. This does promote self-discipline, goal-setting, and healthy hobbies like reading, fitness, or volunteering.
‘With awareness, compassion and support youths can rise and battle addiction’.