With bibliography State two factors that contribute to young people abusing substances

Answer 1

Substance abuse among young people is a complex issue influenced by various factors. Two significant factors that contribute to this problem include:

1. Peer Pressure: Young individuals often seek acceptance and validation from their peers. The desire to fit in can lead to increased experimentation with drugs or alcohol, particularly in social settings where substance use is normalized or encouraged. Research indicates that adolescents who have friends who use substances are more likely to engage in similar behaviors themselves (Abar et al., 2016).

2. Mental Health Issues: Many young people experience mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, or trauma. Substance use often becomes a coping mechanism to alleviate emotional pain or distress. Studies have shown a strong correlation between mental health disorders and substance abuse in adolescents, with those struggling with mental health problems being more likely to engage in substance use as a way to self-medicate (Weitzman et al., 2006).

Bibliography

• Abar, C. C., Grant, K. E., & Hurst, J. L. (2016). Peer influence on adolescent substance use: The role of peer norms, peer support, and peer substance use. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 45(5), 1012-1025. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10964-015-0421-4

• Weitzman, M., Chen, C. M., & Cheng, J. (2006). Alcohol use and mental health among adolescents: A national study. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 45(3), 286-293. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.chi.0000186801.22369.0b