Between the ages of 8 and 22 school children
starts maturing both physically and mentally. They began to form their
identity, a sense-of-self, and self-worth. These adolescent years are the most
significant years of development and success later down the road.
Unfortunately, adolescence and young adulthood are also times of great
susceptibility. They undergo are transitioning from middle school to high
school, and for the first time, are experiencing many social pressures,
physical changes, and stronger desires to fit in (Alan, 2013).
starts maturing both physically and mentally. They began to form their
identity, a sense-of-self, and self-worth. These adolescent years are the most
significant years of development and success later down the road.
Unfortunately, adolescence and young adulthood are also times of great
susceptibility. They undergo are transitioning from middle school to high
school, and for the first time, are experiencing many social pressures,
physical changes, and stronger desires to fit in (Alan, 2013).
Akinyemi (2008) pointed out that secondary
school students commonly initiate substance abuse during these crucial years.
Often, their reasons for trying drugs are tied to the stress and pressures
experienced in this transitional period. The following seven factors were found
to be the leading causes of drug abuse among secondary school students:
school students commonly initiate substance abuse during these crucial years.
Often, their reasons for trying drugs are tied to the stress and pressures
experienced in this transitional period. The following seven factors were found
to be the leading causes of drug abuse among secondary school students:
i.
Depression and mental
illnesses: Depression in secondary
school students is not uncommon. Over one-third of high school students reports
regular feelings of sadness or hopelessness. Substance abuse and mental
illnesses such as depression often go hand-in-hand. Secondary school students
who are depressed and suicidal often self-medicate with drugs of abuse,
increasing their risk of drug addiction.
ii. History of trauma: Among all secondary school students who abuse
drugs, nearly twice as many girls as boys report sexual or physical abuse in
their lifetime. Girls who have been physically or sexually abused are also
twice as likely to smoke, drink, and use drugs than those who were not abused
in childhood.
iii. Stress and inability to
cope: Inability to cope with
stress is one of the mains reason for drugs abuse by secondary school students.
Stressful life events may include a death or illness in family or friends,
parental divorce, changes in school or relationships, and moving from home to
home.
iv. Low self-esteem: Low self-confidence frequently accompanies the
teenage years. This is especially true among secondary school student.
Body-image and social image are often top priorities for secondary school students
especially among girls who want to fit in. They associate weight loss with
beauty and popularity. They associate drinking, drug use, and smoking with
being sexy, trendy, and cool. They believe that drugs are the answer to their
problems.
v. Social pressures: Many secondary school students initiate drug
use to fit in with their peers. Oshodi et
al. (2010) in a study concluded the
more friends a secondary school student has who smoke, drink, or use drugs; the
likelier he/she is to do so the same. If five of their close friends drink
alcohol, they are over seven times likelier to drink.
vi. Academic pressures: Secondary school is undoubtedly a time of great
academic pressure for school students. It is the time that matters most for
colleges, and the time in which students come to a new, mature level of learning.
Teens who get A’s and B’s in school are at half the risk of drug use as teens
who have poor school performance.
