ADOLESCENCE AND DRUG/ALCOHOL ABUSE

Adolescence means both ‘a period’ and ‘a process’ during which a child becomes mature in terms of his/her attitudes and beliefs for effective participation in society.

12-18 years of age may be thought of as adolescence period.

Adolescence is accompanied by several biological and behavioural changes.

Curiosity, need for adventure and excitement, and experimentation, constitute common causes, which motivate youngsters towards drug and alcohol use.

 

   Fig. adolescence